EFFECTS OF 2,4-D AND SOIL MOISTURE ON THE CATALASE ACTIVITY, RESPIRATION, AND PROTEIN CONTENT OF BEAN PLANTS

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Abstract
Bean plants grown under various controlled moisture conditions in a greenhouse, and sprayed with 2,4-D, showed differences in catalase activity, carbon dioxide output, total nitrogen content, and visual response. Catalase and respiration of leaves were stimulated or depressed depending upon soil moisture, concentration of 2,4-D, and time after treatment, but there was not always a positive correlation between the two activities. Protein in leaves, with a few noteworthy exceptions, was decreased by 2,4-D. Extremes among leaf responses were induced in plants recently deprived of optimum moisture. Catalase, respiration, and protein content of stems were greatly increased by 2,4-D. This was especially noticeable in plants in moist soil. Soil treatments with 2,4-D solution followed by adequate moisture effected, in above-ground parts of plants, responses resembling those measured after foliage sprays on beans in moist soil. Fasciation of underground parts resulted only from a soil application involving relatively dilute (50 p.p.m.) concentration of 2,4-D.