[Physiological effects of metsulfuron-methy on Elodea nuttallii]

Physiological effects of metsulfuron-methy on Elodea nuttallii was studied. The growth status, the photosynthetic pigments content and activities of anti-oxidation enzymes of Elodea nuttallii were examined with different contents of metsulfuron-methyl in cultural solution. The results showed that metsulfuron-methy could stimulate the sprout bourgeoning but restrained the growth of frond remarkably. At lower concentrations, metsulfuron-methy could increase the content of chlorophyll at the beginning, but inhibited the syntheses of chlorophyll ultimately and reduced the plant's photosynthetic capacity. Activities of CAT and POD increased at first and then decreased, while SOD activities increased all the time. With higher concentration and longer treatment time, the activities of anti-oxidation enzymes would decrease. It is indicated that metsulfuron-methy can arise the formation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species in Elodea nuttalii, and induce activities of anti-oxidation enzymes. When stress intensity exceeds a certain value, the activities of anti-oxidation enzymes will be inhibited and reactive oxygen species can not be removed in time and will finally result in oxidative damages to the plant. This may be an important toxicity mechanism of this kind of herbicide to aquatic plants.