Effects of Decenylsuccinic Acid on the Permeability and Growth of Bean Roots

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Abstract
Decenylsuccinic acid (DSA) at 10-3 [image] has been reported to increase the permeability of bean root systems to water without seriously injuring the plants. The increase in permeability at 10-3 [image] was confirmed, but 10-4 [image] DSA reduced permeability. Both concentrations caused leakage of salts from the roots and cessation of root pressure exudation. The roots of intact bean plants were killed by 1 hour''s immersion in 10-3 [image] DSA, but plants were able to survive by producing new roots. Up to 4 hours in 10-4 [image] caused only temporary cessation of growth. Comparisons are made between the effects of DSA and some metabolic inhibitors. It is suggested that DSA acts as a metabolic inhibitor, and that increase in water permeability is the result of injury to the roots. Experiments with 3 other species indicated variations in response to 10-3 [image] DSA. These could be largely attributed to differences in susceptibility to injury.