Phytotoxic Effects of Non-ionic Surfactant Octylphenol Series (Triton X-100, Triton X-114, Triton X-405) on Onion

Abstract

In this study, three widely used octylphenol series non-ionic surfactant Triton X-114, Triton X-100 and Triton X-405 were selected to examine their phytotoxic effects. They were evaluated under laboratory conditions using onion (Allium cepa L.) as a test material. The phytotoxic effects on root were determined after 7^th days. Surfactants used in study were tested at three different surfactant concentrations, 5.00, 2.50 and 1.25 g/L (w/v) concentrations. The phytotoxicity results were based on the effective concentration that reduced root growth by 50 % (EC₅₀). Some differences were observed between the effects of three types of surfactants. Stimulatory effects only occurred in Triton X-405 while inhibitory effects occured in Triton X-100 and Triton X-114 at all concentrations. It was observed that inhibitory effects increased with increasing concentrations of Triton X-114 and Triton X-100.