Anatomical effects of 2,4-DB on tomato internodes

Anatomical changes induced in the first internode by an aqueous spray of 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB) (0.56 kg acid equivalent per hectare) confirmed the intolerance of tomato to this herbicide. Hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and plastid destruction occurred rapidly in most tissues. Many of the hyperplastic phloem cells differentiated into unusual supernumerary sieve tube members which were shorter and narrower than normal and which approximated the size of the co-differentiating companion cells. The supernumerary sieve tube members usually possessed several sieve plates and formed sieve tubes which did not follow a vertical course. Although obliteration of the supernumerary sieve tube members was stimulated, it was not associated with the formation of necrotic masses. Secondary wall formation was prevented in the protophloem fibers which became multiseptate following the stimulation of mitoses. The cambial initials were converted into a tissue of squat cells with little organization. Xylem whi...