Gross Morphological and Cytological Effects of Nitralin on Corn Roots

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Abstract
The gross morphological effects of the herbicide 4-methyl-sulphonyl-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropylaniline [nitralin] on roots of corn (Zea mays L., var. U. S. 13) suggested abnormal cytological behavior. Roots of corn plants treated preemergence with nitralin developed digitate to globose swelling in the region of active cell division of the root tip. Cytological examination of the affected area showed that the effects of the herbicide were prevention of cell wall formation, enlargement of cells, and extensive replication of nuclei, and suggests that a primary effect of nitralin is on cell division and that this may be a primary mechanism of action as a herbicide.