Effect of Metsulfuron Methyl on Acetolactate Synthase Activity and Protein Content of Wheat

Results of field studies laid out during Rabi 2013–14 and 2014–15 in randomized block design to study the effect of metsulfuron methyl applied at 2, 4, 8 g ha−1 on biochemical attributes viz. acetolactate synthase activity and total soluble protein content of wheat crop are reported. Wheat plant samples were collected at 0 (2 h), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 d after herbicide application and at harvest for biochemical analysis. A significant decrease was observed in acetolactate synthase activity and total soluble protein upto 10 d after herbicide application. Quality indices i.e. protein and gluten content of wheat grain increased significantly with the metsulfuron methyl treatments. It has been concluded that the herbicide has a non-significant effect on the biochemical attributes of wheat.