Macromolecular drifts associated with the effects of herbicides on the rooting of stem cuttings and rooting potential of Lantana camara L. var. aculeata

Abstract

Rooting of stem cuttings and rooting potential of Lantana camara L. was studied alongwith the changes in protein and RNA content occuring during the rooting process in response to certain herbicides. Paraquat, butachlor, CuSO₄ and 2,4,5-T completely checked the rooting of the stem cuttings. Atrazine, TCA and 2,4-D retarded the rooting response. Low as well as high doses of paraquat and butachlor and only higher dose of atrazine were completely inhibitory. CuSO₄ could not check the rooting potential of the plant compared to the complete inhibition of the rooting of the stem cuttings. Paraquat, atrazine, butachlor and CuSO₄ altered protein and RNA contents significantly during different stages of rhizogenesis of the stem cuttings. The significance of study is discussed in the light of controlling the vegetative reproduction of L.camara which is a noxious weed on abandoned and arable lands.