Effect of herbicides of cell division sterility and yield in rice

Abstract

Herbicides have become a very important tool for weed control and research in this line has been progressing ever since their invention. Studies on the possible damages which herbicides cause at the chromosomal level have been undertaken under laboratory conditions by many workers. But only a few studies have been on this aspect under field conditions. This study was done with the aim of finding the extent of chromosomal aberrations and consequent deterioration of yield attributes in rice caused by the application of five selective herbicides. Observations on the herbicidal influence on weed population have also been taken. From this study it has been found that herbicides do cause chromosomal changes during cell division. Pollen mother cell studies revealed that highest number of chromosomal abnormalities occur in 2,4-D and nitrofen treatments when applied at a dose of 1kg and 1.5 kg a.i. per hectare, eighteen days after transplanting. Such abnormalities caused pollen sterilityand consequent spikelet sterility leading to reduction in yield . These parameters showed significant positive correlation.