Maximum quantum yield of photosystem II to assist in the measurement of herbicide selectivity in popcorn

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the selectivity/phytotoxicity of herbicides (mesotrione, nicosulfuron, and tembotrione) using the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II associated with biometric analyses. The experiment was conducted using three popcorn genotypes (BRS Angela, IAC-125 and UENF-14) and three herbicides (mesotrione, tembotrione and nicosulfuron, and a control treatment “WITH WEEDING?”. The quantum yield of photosystem II was obtained through a modulated light portable fluorometer MINI-PAM, from the chlorophyll a fluorescence. Regarding the biometric analyses, the following characteristics were evaluated: a) number medium of ears of the corn, b) grain yield in kg ha-1, c) average weight of 100 grains, and d) popping expansion. The genotypes were sensitive to tembotrione with higher intensity for the IAC - 125. The maximum quantum yield of photosystem II showed useful tool for studies of selectivity / phytotoxicity symptoms of herbicides used