The influence of chlorsulfuron and metsulfuron methyl on root growth and on the ultrastructure of root tips of germinating maize seeds

Seeds of Zea mays L., germinating in soil, were exposed to very low doses of the sulfonylurea herbicides chlorsulfuron and metsulfuron methyl. At a concentration of 0.012 mg L−1, chlorsulfuron caused 72% and metsulfuron methyl 55% growth reduction of the young primary roots. Both herbicides also caused obvious injuries to the root tips. Scanning electron microscopic observations of the root tip surfaces indicated an inhibition of slime secretion at a herbicide concentration of 1.5 mg L−1. Transmission electron microscopy revealed obvious changes to the nuclei and deformation of radial cell walls in the primary root cortex at 0.012 and 1.5 mg L−1 for both herbicides. Moreover, the secretory cells of the root cap periphery showed partially irregular deposition of premature cell wall or slime material at a concentration of 0.012 mg L−1 of both herbicides.