Effect of Dichlofop Methyl on Leaf-Cell Membrane Permeability in Wild Oat, Barley and Wheat

Leakage of electrolytes from leaf discs of treated wild oats, barley and wheat plants was the criterion used to compare the effect of dichlofop methyl 2-{4-(2, 4-dichlorophenoxy) phenoxy} propionate on leaf-cell membrane permeability in these species. Leakage of electrolytes from wild oats and barley occurred within 12 h and increased up to 96 h following foliar application of the chemical at the rate of 0.112 kg/ha and 0.56 kg/ha, while in wheat it occurred only at the highest rate and after an interval of 48 h. Increases in leaf-cell membrane permeability occurred in each of the three species before the appearance of visible injury such as discoloration or necrotic areas in leaf tips.