Effects of Nonionic Surfactants on Root Growth and Cation Uptake

Wetting agents: not always a plus in seed germination

“…The surfactant molecules may form a layer around the seeds which physically prevents or delays water from being absorbed by seeds. Parr and Norman (1964) found that nonionic surfactants did not enhance initial water uptake and actually repressed root potassium uptake. Root radicle growth may be slowed by the surfactant molecules interfering with the movement of essential nutrients.…”

“…However, Osborn et al (1967) found that, on a wettable sand treated with a nonionic surfactant, germination of wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigida L.) was reduced from 85% to 57% on the level and from 93% to 45% on the slope. Parr and Norman (1964) tested twenty-two nonionic surfactants on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. var. Early Fortune) seedlings grown hydroponically.…”

The Effects of Different Surfactants to Dry Weight Wheat

“…These resources are used for solubility and stability effect on biphasic systems in addition to usage as wetting agent, dispersant, emulsifier, foaming agent, bactericide and corrosion inhibitor [2,3], reducing generally surface tension of liquids at low concentration and helping water utilization of tissues [4]. Surfactant is used to improve the utilization of leaves from liquid fertilizers in herbicide and pesticide [5], and they takes part in the production process of commercial fertilizers [6].…”

Surfactant effects on cell permeability of Beta vulgaris L root tissue

“…This same inhibition-recovery + response to T:%en-20 was reported by Parr and Norman (1964) for K uptake by tobacco roots but no explanation was offered. The biphasic nature of the surfactant effect was emphasized when the uptake of Rb^ was separated from Tween-20 treatment (Figures 9 and 10).…”

“…More recent work has led to the demonstration of the existence of cuticular binding sites (Yamada e^ al., 1964;Yamada et al, 1966;and Franke, 1967) and the correspondence of sites to the positions of the ectodesmata in the underlying stomatal and epidermal cells and their anticlinal walls (Franke, 1969). In fact, after 40,60, and 80 was noted by Parr and Norman (1964) in cucumbers. However, a 30% increase in growth of barley roots and a 50% increase in first-leaf growth was found as a result of Tween-20 treatment.…”