The effect of chlorsulfuron on the uptake and utilization of copper and zinc in wheat

Abstract

The effect of the herbicide chlorsulfuron on the uptake and utilization of copper and zinc by wheat was examined in a series of glasshouse experiments. Application of chlorsulfuron induced symptoms of both copper and zinc deficiencies, and decreased copper and zinc concentrations within shoots. Chlorsulfuron accentuated deficiencies of copper and zinc by decreasing uptake of the micronutrients rather than by affecting their utilization within the plant. Effects of chlorsulfuron in decreasing uptake of copper and zinc did not appear to be due to effects on root weight or root length. However, chlorsulfuron appeared to decrease water uptake by roots, indicating that chlorsulfuron may have decreased copper and zinc uptake by effects on root morphology or root physiology.