THE EFFECT OF THE GAMMA-ISOMER OF BENZENE HEXACHLORIDE UPON THE MICROFLORA OF SUBMERGED RICE SOILS: I. EFFECT UPON ALGAE

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Abstract
The effect of additions of the gamma-isomer of benzene hexachloride (gamma-BHC) upon algal populations in two submerged tropical rice soils was studied. Additions of the insecticide to the floodwaters of the soils at 5, 6, and 50 kg/ha active compound resulted in a marked stimulation of growth of the indigenous algae. The stimulation was attributed to the elimination by the insecticide of small animals which feed on the algae. No detrimental effect upon total algal populations was found when gamma-BHC was applied at 50 kg/ha, which is 10 times the rate recommended to control the rice stem borer. Qualitative changes were detected in the incidence of major algal groups. Blue-green algae were more abundant in treated soils whereas the green algae and diatoms were more abundant in the untreated soils. Much larger amounts of algal tissue were produced in the floodwaters treated with gamma-BHC. The possible effects of increased algal development on the fertility of the soil and the persistence of gamma-BHC in submerged soils are discussed.

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