Accumulation of fluoride by the soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill var Dare) part I: Visible injury and related effects on seed yield

Abstract

Soybeans (Glycine max L. Merrill var Dare) showed moderate resistance to leaf chlorosis and necrosis following extended exposures (109 days) to hydrogen fluoride concentrations of 2.0 μgHFm^‐3 to 16. 1μg HF m^‐3, inclusive (ECt₂ = 400μg HF m^‐3‐d ECt₅₀ = 1500 μg HF m^‐3‐d. Seed production was reduced at the lowest level of exposure and occurred with negligible visible injury to leaves. Pack and Sulzbach (1976) have suggested that the latter may result from effects on pollen production or germination, which is supported by these findings. In addition to reduced yields, seed production in fumigated plants was significantly retarded. Delays in maturityranged from an estimated one to two weeks (at 1.0 μg HF m^‐3) to 6 weeks (at 16 μg HF m^‐3).

Key words:

• Hydrogen fluoride
• air pollution
• pollen damage