Assessment of 3-Cyanobenzoic Acid as a Possible Herbicide Candidate: Effects on Maize Growth and Photosynthesis
Chemical weed control is a significant agricultural concern, and reliance on a limited range of herbicide action modes has increased resistant weed species, many of which use C4 metabolism. As a result, the identification of novel herbicidal agents with low toxicity targeting C4 plants becomes imper...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Plants |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/1/1 |
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| Summary: | Chemical weed control is a significant agricultural concern, and reliance on a limited range of herbicide action modes has increased resistant weed species, many of which use C4 metabolism. As a result, the identification of novel herbicidal agents with low toxicity targeting C4 plants becomes imperative. An assessment was conducted on the impact of 3-cyanobenzoic acid on the growth and photosynthetic processes of maize (<i>Zea mays</i>), a representative C4 plant, cultivated hydroponically over 14 days. The results showed a significant reduction in plant growth and notable disruptions in gas exchange and chlorophyll <i>a</i> fluorescence due to the application of 3-cyanobenzoic acid, indicating compromised photosynthetic activity. Parameters such as the chlorophyll index, net assimilation (<i>A</i>), stomatal conductance (<i>g</i><sub>s</sub>), intercellular CO<sub>2</sub> concentration (<i>C</i><sub>i</sub>), maximum effective photochemical efficiency (F<sub>v′</sub>/F<sub>m′</sub>), photochemical quenching coefficient (q<sub>P</sub>), quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry (ϕ<sub>PSII</sub>), and electron transport rate through PSII (ETR) all decreased. The <i>A</i>/PAR curve revealed reductions in the maximum net assimilation rate (<i>A</i><sub>max</sub>) and apparent quantum yield (ϕ), alongside an increased light compensation point (LCP). Moreover, 3-cyanobenzoic acid significantly decreased the carboxylation rates of RuBisCo (V<sub>cmax</sub>) and PEPCase (V<sub>pmax</sub>), electron transport rate (<i>J</i>), and mesophilic conductance (<i>g</i><sub>m</sub>). Overall, 3-cyanobenzoic acid induced substantial changes in plant growth, carboxylative processes, and photochemical activities. The treated plants also exhibited heightened susceptibility to intense light conditions, indicating a significant and potentially adverse impact on their physiological functions. These findings suggest that 3-cyanobenzoic acid or its analogs could be promising for future research targeting photosynthesis. |
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| ISSN: | 2223-7747 |