Abstract

The effect of the soil herbicide isoxaflutole on the growth and development of new corn hybrids in controlled conditions was studied. Conducted assays confirmed that tested hybrids exhibit different sensitivity to herbicide treatment, expressed as a decrease of chlorophyll or increase of anthocyanin content. The lowest content of chlorophylls was determined for hybrid P0216 and the highest anthocyanin levels were observed for hybrid P9241. Present investigation was performed for evaluation the toxic effect of the herbicide and demonstrated that plant pigment content can be used as a marker for abiotic stress. This study could be very useful for practical applications as a preliminary test for phytotoxicity and/or sensitivity of different crops or model plants to herbicides.

Key words: anthocyanins, chlorophylls, herbicide, stress, Zea mays L.