Stress effects of flumioxazin herbicide on grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) grown in vitro

Among the herbicides used in vineyards, the pre-emergence soil-applied flumioxazin (FMX) is a recently synthesized molecule that inhibits chlorophyll biosynthesis in weed species. The aim of this work was to characterize the effects of FMX on non-target grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay) plantlets grown in vitro. FMX treatment (from 1 to 100 micro M) represented a stress, as revealed by measurement of several parameters. Stem and leaves underwent dehydration and a decrease in both water- and osmotic-potential. Treated plantlets exhibited concomitant accumulation of soluble carbohydrates in all tissues and of free proline in stems and leaves. Moreover, FMX caused lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage in leaf tissues. These results indicate that the herbicide FMX is toxic for grapevine grown in vitro. In addition to inhibiting protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase, it causes water stress and membrane alteration in tissues and, as a consequence, generates the accumulation of carbohydrates and free proline.