Factors affecting the decomposition of 2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid in soils

J. S. GOUDEY, H. S. Saini, MARY S. SPENCER

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The ethylene‐releasing compound 2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon) stimulates germination of dormant seeds under laboratory conditions and it may prove to be an effective means of administering ethylene to promote germination of seeds in the field. We examined the decomposition of ethephon in different soils to determine which properties of soils influence the activity (ethylene release) of ethephon. The release of ethylene from ethephon was not affected by the type of soil, the texture, the presence of organic matter, or levels of extractable SO2− 4, PO3− 4 NO 3, K+ or Na+. The rate of decomposition was, however, dependent on soil pH and was influenced by the soil moisture content. Very little ethylene was released from ethephon in soils with a pH <7.7 and with a moisture content < 10%.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)347-349
Number of pages3
JournalPlant, Cell & Environment
Volume10
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1987
Externally publishedYes

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