Studies on the mode of action of asulam in bracken (Pteridium aquilinum L. Kuhn) II. Biochemical activity in the rhizome buds

Summary: The effect of asulam (methyl (4‐aminobenzenesulphonyl) carbamate) on the synthesis of RNA and protein was investigated in bracken sporeling plants and excised rhizome bud tissue. Foliage application of asulam (4.4 kg/ha) reduced the RNA levels in frond buds and young fronds within 3 days, while protein levels were significantly reduced after 14 days. A significant reduction in respiratory activity of buds was observed after 2 weeks, the level of inhibition being 54% after 8 weeks. During a 3‐h incubation period, O2 uptake by excised bud issue was stimulated by 5 and 10 ppm asulam and inhibited by higher concentrations; 32P uptake was inhibited at all concentrations. Asulam (5 ppm and above) inhibited bud growth and reduced RNA and protein levels in incubated buds (20 h at 30°C), and the incorporation of [14C]orotic acid into RNA and [14C]leucine into protein. Reduction of RNA levels and inhibition of [14C]ladenine incorporation into RNA in buds occurred entirely in the ribosomal and supernatant fractions of the cellular extract. Inhibition of RNA synthesis by asulam (50 ppm) as measured by [14C] orotic acid incorporation into RNA was completely antagonized by CEPA (3‐chloroethylphosphonic acid) (50 ppm) and partially by 2,4‐D (2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) (50 ppm) and GA (Gibberellic acid) (50 ppm). These results suggest that the interference of asulam with RNA and protein synthesis at the metabolically active sinks (rhizome buds) could be one of its major mechanisms of action in bracken.