A NEW BACTERIAL TOXIN FOR USE AS A PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR AND HERBICIDE

摘要

A herbicidal composition, tabtoxinine- beta -lactam, has been isolated from a plant pathogenic bacterium, Pseudomonas syringae (ATCC #55090). The herbicidal activity can be isolated from culture medium in which this bacterium has grown. Topical application to the foliage of plants causes rapid water soaking and chlorosis. The toxin is transported throughout the weed from the site of topical application of the herbicidal composition via vascular transport, and results in commercial levels of weed control. Combinations of the toxin with chemical herbicides produce accelerated and enhanced injury to weeds.