Electron microscope study of the effects of ozone and benomyl on the chloroplasts of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Pinto III leaves

Book · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1973

OSTI ID:6474600

Rufner, R

Studies concerning the use of the systemic fungicide, benomyl, which protects vegetation from ozone damage have indicated that at least one site of action of benomyl is associated with the chloroplasts. Leaves from Phaseolus vulgaris plants treated with benomyl exhibited a slightly greener appearance than leaves from non-treated plants. This effect was also true for leaves from plants treated with benomyl and fumigated with ozone. In support of this conclusion, it was found that leaves from plants treated with benomyl and fumigated with ozone contained a significantly higher chlorophyll content than leaves from non-treated plants; whether fumigated or non-fumigated with ozone. Consequently, the influence of benomyl may be directly related to at least one physiological parameter, namely, increasing the chlorophyll content. Comparison of electron micrographs of chloroplasts from leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris plants treated and non-treated with benomyl and/or fumigated and non-fumigated with ozone indicates that benomyl does affect the structure of the chloroplast and protects the leaf parenchyma plastids from ozone injury by maintaining the cellular membranes and the integrated lamellar structure. The results of this study, thus, conclusively show that benomyl does increase chlorophyll content of Phaseolus vulgaris leaves, as well as protects leaf chloroplasts from ozone injury by maintaining the structural integrity of the plastids.

• OSTI ID: 6474600
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
FUNGICIDES
INJURIES
LEAVES
LEGUMINOSAE
MICROSCOPY
OZONE
PESTICIDES
PHASEOLUS
PLANTS
POLLUTION
RESPONSE MODIFYING FACTORS