Chlorophyll Inhibition and Herbicidal Action of 3-(Alpha-Imino-Ethyl) 5- Methyl Tetronic Acid

Abstract

3-(alpha-imino-ethyl) 5-methyl tetronic acid inhibited chlorophyll formation in several plants. General plant development was suppressed, but otherwise no anomalous growth or formative effects were apparent. Food reserves were depleted, the plants were exhausted, and died. When seeds of corn (Zea mays) and kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) were soaked in a soln. at 1,000 ppm. for 16 hrs., seedlings which emerged were entirely lacking in chlorophyll. When seedlings were sprayed with a similar soln. the leaves became straw-white in color several days after appln. and like tissue paper in texture. Both roots and tops were suppressed, and the plants died in 3-4 wks. Other plants responding were tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), cucumber (Cucumis melo), wheat (Triticum sativum), and radish (Raphanus sativus). Treated coleus plants (Coleus blumei) lost much of their chlorophyll, although the anthocyanin pigments were not affected. Because of the peculiar nature of the chemical, it may have value as a herbicide. It is also of special interest because it appears extremely effective on monocotyledonous plants.