Toxicity of the Norflurazon to the Aquatic Macrophyte Vallisneria americana (Michx.)

Abstract

Vallisneria americana (Michx.) (common name tapegrass) is a submersed, vascular aquatic plant that reproduces vegetatively and by seed. The objective of this study was to determine the no-observable-effects concentrations (NOECs) and lowest-observable-effects concentrations (LOECs) for tapegrass exposed to the herbicide norflurazon (0–0.1 mg/L) following a 14-d exposure and a postexposure period. The primary symptom of norflurazon toxicity was bleaching of newly emerged leaf blades at concentrations of 0.04 mg/L and higher after 14 d of exposure. Leaf greenness effect levels were 0.04 mg/L (NOEC) and 0.06 mg/L (LOEC). All other endpoints measured resulted in a NOEC greater than 0.1 mg/L following the exposure period. Latent effects were observed 14 d postexposure for new leaf production and fresh weight gains, with a NOEC and LOEC of 0.08 and 0.1 mg/L, respectively. Total leaf growth was the least sensitive endpoint measured. Following the exposure/postexposure periods, significant effects on vegetative reproduction were apparent, with no effects occurring at concentrations up to 0.08 mg/L, but with significant reduction at the 0.1 mg/L treatment level. Root and stolon dry weights were significantly reduced at the 0.1 and 0.08 mg/L treatments, respectively. Total soluble sugars (TSS) and hexose content in shoots was reduced at concentrations of 0.04 mg/L and higher. TSS, hexose, and sucrose contents were higher in roots of plants exposed to 0.1 mg/L. Some recovery was apparent for all treatment concentrations following the postexposure period, indicating that the effects were at least partially reversible.

We thank Peter Strimple, Robert Minerva, Ross Loehr, Michael Poult, Ali Poult, Ryan Collins, Laurie Mecca, and Pat Frey for their technical assistance. We also thank Jane Ferguson-Foos for editorial assistance. This is Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Series Publication R-10995.

Notes

We thank Peter Strimple, Robert Minerva, Ross Loehr, Michael Poult, Ali Poult, Ryan Collins, Laurie Mecca, and Pat Frey for their technical assistance. We also thank Jane Ferguson-Foos for editorial assistance. This is Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Series Publication R-10995.