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7066635 
Journal Article 
Terbuthylazine interferes with iron nutrition in maize (Zea mays) plants 
Bartucca, ML; Celletti, S; Mimmo, T; Cesco, S; Astolfi, S; Del Buono, D; , 
2017 
Yes 
Acta Physiologiae Plantarum
ISSN: 0137-5881
EISSN: 1861-1664 
SPRINGER HEIDELBERG 
HEIDELBERG 
39 
10 
WOS:000411083700023 
Many chemicals, including herbicides, are routinely applied to crops for weed management and food production improvement. However, the intensive use of herbicides could lead eventually to a great environmental threat due to their persistence and accumulation in the ecosystems and contamination of soils. Furthermore, the possible effect of these chemicals on nutrient uptake and assimilation in crops has only recently been discussed. The present study aimed at understanding the effect of the herbicide terbuthylazine (TBA), a herbicide commonly applied to control weeds in leguminous species and triazine tolerant crops, on the capability of maize plants to cope with iron (Fe) shortage. The application of 2 and 5 mg L-1 TBA caused a significant reduction of root Fe concentration. This reduction might be attributed to a decreased release of phytosiderophores, which in turn could be ascribed to a reduced sulfur assimilation. Results provide evidence that TBA impairs Fe uptake and accumulation in non-target plants most likely interacting with sulfur-assimilating enzymes [ATP sulfurylase and Oacetylserine(thiol) lyase]. 
Iron deficiency; Maize; Phytosiderophores; Sulfur assimilation; Terbuthylazine