Effect of carbamate herbicides on VA mycorrhizal infection and plant growth

Summary The effect of the carbamate herbicides Chlorpropham, Sulfallate and Phenmedipham, which are believed to inhibit photosynthesis, on VA mycorrhizal infection and on plant growth, were examined. Foliar spraying of Phenmedipham decreased the root concentration of total and reducing sugars and the fungal metabolism (using a staining reaction for succinate dehydrogenase as indicator) 48 h after application. However, all three carbamate herbicides tested, whether applied by foliar spray or directly to soil, did not affect the amount of VA mycorrhizal infection present at the end of the experiment. These herbicides decreased plant growth when they were applied to soil. But when the herbicides were sprayed only Phenmedipham, applied at high concentrations, decreased plant growth. Moreover, our results show that VA mycorrhizas may help plants recover from the deleterious effect of Phenmedipham.