Effects of sulphur dioxide fumigation on groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.)

Plants of Arachis hypogaea L. were exposed to fumigation concentrations of SO₂ ranging from 0.06 to 1.00 ppm for four hours daily for six weeks. Necrotic lesions and reduced net primary productivity were noted at SO₂ concentration of 0.25 ppm and above. At concentrations below 0.25 ppm, the SO₂ appeared to have a slight beneficial effect on plant productivity. In fumigated plants the acumulation of sulphur increased while that of nitrogen and phosphorus decreased with increasing concentrations of SO₂.