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Abstract

Relative toxicity of five phenolic compounds and 2,4-D herbicide on seed germination and early seedling growth of Pennisetum americanum (L.) Schumann and the degree of leaching of 2,4-D and benzoic acid in clay loam and sandy soil was studied. 2,4-D @ 10 and 50 ppm caused greater reduction in seed germination and root and shoot growth than the phenolic compounds. The phenolic compounds reduced seed geemination percentage in the order: benzoic acid > p-coumaric > catechol > chlorogenic acid > gallic acid. A similar trend was observed with respect to root and shoot growth. 2,4-D in conjunction with pcoumaric acid and catechol exhibited synergistic effect on the process of germination and seedling growth. In the leaching experiment, greatest toxic effect was observed in the first 2 cm depth and lowest at 6 cm depth. Greater leaching of both 2,4-D and benzoic acid occurred in sandy soil compared to clay loam.

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