Document Type

Research Poster

Publication Date

4-11-2017

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the disturbance effect of indirect exposure to DCMU (3-[3,4-dichlorophenyl]-1,1-dimethylurea), a popular herbicide, on dark adapted fluorescence and stomatal conductance in Malva parviflora plants. We utilized a test site exposed to sunlight and free from other external interference. Two main apparatuses were used to collect data; stomatal conductance was measured by a leaf porometer, and dark-adapted fluorescence (Fv/Fm) was measured using a Pulse Modulated Fluorometer. Our data yielded significant comparison results for dark-adapted fluorescence (P0.05). Additionally, observations six days after disturbance showed a drastic presence of hollyhock rust (Puccinia malvacearum) and aphids (Aphidoidea sp.) that may have contributed to the significance seen in dark-adapted fluorescence. The combination of the weed killer, rust, and aphids prove to be feasible methods in controlling spread of Malva parviflora.

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