Titima Arunrangsi, Siri-On Raethong, and Kriangsak Songsrirote

pp. 303 - 308

Abstract

Herbicides and insecticides have been widely and intensively used in agricultural areas worldwide to enhance crop
yield. However, many biocides cause serious environmental problems. In addition, the biocides may also have some effects
on the treated agricultural crops. To study effects of biocides on chlorophyll content in detached basil leaves, 2,4-D
dimethylamine salt (2,4 D-Amine), paraquat, carbosulfan, and azadirachtin, were chosen as representatives of biocide. After
applying the chemicals to detached basil leaves overnight in darkness, chlorophyll contents were determined. Only treatment
with 2,4 D-Amine resulted in reduction of chlorophyll contents significantly compared to treatment with deionized (DI) water.
In the case of paraquat and carbosulfan, chlorophyll contents were not significantly changed, while slightly higher chlorophyll
contents, compared to DI water, after the treatment with azadirachtin, were observed. The results indicated that 2,4 D-Amine
shows an ability to accelerate chlorophyll degradation, but azadirachtin helps to retard chlorophyll degradation, when each
biocide is used at the concentration recommended by the manufacturer.