Effect of DCPA on Anatomy and Cytology of Roots

Abstract

Dimethyl 2,3,5,6-tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA) on the soil surface inhibited rooting at bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L., var 328) stolon nodes. Histological studies of these root tips showed that cell division had ceased while cell enlargement continued for some time. Cells became excessively large and irregularly shaped. In corn (Zea may L., var. Pioneer 310), radicle cell size was about the same in both instances; however, treated tissue contained six times as many dinucleate cells as untreated radicle tissue. Numerous nuclei were at metaphase stage of mitosis in treated tissue. In untreated onion (Allium cepa L., var. Yellow Globe Danvers) root tips, many nuclei were found at anaphase and telophase stage of mitosis while very few cells were dividing in treated tissue.