DCMU INDUCED INHIBITION OF GROWTH, PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND MOTILITY IN EUDORINA ELEGANS CULTURES

Abstract
Studies with Eudorina elegans L. were done to provide additional information on the effect of phenyl urea herbicides on phytoplankton. Colonies were grown in various concentrations of DCMU, 3(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea. DCMU at 10‐5 m induced an algicidic response. DCMU at 10‐7 M and 10‐9 M caused a significant reduction in the growth of colonies. Photosynthesis was significantly inhibited at all concentrations of DCMU. A rapidly growing population of algae treated with 10‐7 m and 10‐9 m DCMU showed a reduced motile/non‐motile balance of colonies.