Quantitative Distribution and Metabolism of Auxin Herbicides in Roots

The internal concentrations of four auxin herbicides— 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, dicamba, picloram, and naphthaleneacetic acid—were measured in the roots of treated pea seedlings. Intact seedlings were immersed in solutions of labeled herbicides at concentrations sufficient to produce toxic symptoms (inhibition of elongation, radial enlargement, and lateral root proliferation). Measurements of volume and herbicide content of segments taken sequentially along the root showed that an acropetal concentration gradient of each herbicide was established within the root immediately following treatment. Although there was a net loss of herbicide in the following 24 hours, the gradient was maintained. Initially, the concentration of herbicide in the root tips exceeded that in the external medium. In support of the contention that toxic symptoms due to herbicide treatment are caused by the presence of unmetabolized chemical at the site of action, it was found that metabolism was negligible for all herbicides except naphthaleneacetic acid.