The effect of the herbicide dichlorophen on the physiology and growth of two bryophytes

Abstract

Dichlorophen (2, 2′-methylene-bis(4 chlorophenol)) has been used frequently as a commercial eradicates of bryophytes. Using the moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and the thalloid liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, it has been shown that dichlorophen induces loss of intracellular potassium and magnesium, inhibits photosynthesis and, depending on concentration, either stimulates or depresses the production of CO2 in the dark, suggesting that death may be caused by membrane damage. Sensitivity of the moss appears to be related to the age of the tissue but to be unaffected by light before, during or after exposure. © 1986 Annals of Botany Company.