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Effect of butachlor and chlorpyrifos on the growth of Azolla microphylla Kaulfuss used as dual crop alongwith rice

Amarjeet Singh* & Rupinder Kaur
Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala – 147 002

Received 30th June, 2013; Revised 25th July, 2013

Abstract : The present investigation embodies the result of the effect of butachlor and chlorpyrifos on the growth of Azolla microphylla Kaulfuss used as dual crop along with rice. The plants (Azolla microphylla) were grown, multiplied and maintained in plastic trays using Espinase and Watanable medium in Tropical house, Botanic Gardens, Punjabi University, Patiala, which were later used for experimental studies. For butachlor treatment, freshmass, drymass, relative growth rate, total chlorophyll, carotenoid content, total protein content of Azolla microphylla and heterocyst frequency (of symbiont) were maximum in 0.5 ppm on 10th, 20th and 30th day harvesting. Doubling time was minimum in 0.5 ppm on 10th, 20th and 30th day harvesting. For chlorpyrifos treatment, freshmass, drymass, relative growth rate, total chlorophyll, carotenoid content, total protein content of Azolla microphylla and heterocyst frequency (of symbiont) were maximum in 0.5 ppm on 10th, 20th and 30th day harvesting. Doubling time was minimum in 0.5 ppm on 10th, 20th and 30th day harvesting. It is concluded from the results that butachlor (herbicide) and chlorpyrifos (insecticide) under recommended doses of 1.5 ppm and 0.5 ppm, respectively pose no threat to the growth, metabolic activity and survival of Azolla microphylla. Heterocyst frequency, too, is not affected. It is, therefore, recommended that both these pesticides are completely safe for field application under recommended doses for the successful and efficient management of ricecrop ecosystem coupled with Azolla as dual crop.

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