EFFECTS OF BENSULFURON-METHYL ON CELL MORPHOLOGY OF A.AZOTICA

Application of bensulfuron-methyl produced a stimulative effect on growth and heterocyst formation at low concentrations but an inhibition effect at high concentrations. Presence of the sulfonylurea herbicide bensulfuron-methyl at 0.001 to 10 mg/L affected the growth and cell morphology of the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria (Anabaena azotica), high concentration of bensulfuron-methyl (1 mg/L and 10 mg/L) obviously inhibited the growth of A.azotica, especially vegetative cells and heterocyst. And at the same time lots of cell disintegrated and inclusions dissolved. Presenting in 0.001 to 0.1 mg/L, the effect of bensulfuron-methyl on cell morphology was not significant. Cells can grow well and vegetative cell and heterocyst number increased notly. Our findings support the view that low concentrations stimulate growth and cell maintain good morphological structure while high dose inhibited.