FATE OF ENDOSULFAN ON PLANTS AND GLASS

Fates of the two isomers of endosulfan and three related compounds were investigated under controlled and semicontrolled conditions. Bean plants, sugar beet plants, and glass plates were used as substrates and the rate of dissipation from each surface was measured. Loss rates of isomers I and II and the ether were consistent in both environments and apparently substrate-dependent: glass > sugar beets > beans. In the controlled environment losses from glass and plant surfaces were: ether > isomer I > isomer II > sulfate > diol. In the greenhouse, under semicontrolled conditions, the sequence of loss from plant surfaces was: isomer I > ether > isomer II > diol > sulfate. High greenhouse temperatures appeared to facilitate atmospheric translocation of isomer I. Metabolism was greater under greenhouse conditions where temperature and humidity fluctuated. The only metabolite detected in the greenhouse was the sulfate, and this primarily as a translocated product. Volatile metabolites found under controlled conditions were the sulfate and ether. Penetration of the compounds into plant tissue and translocation from leaves to roots were observed in both bean and sugar beet plants. Translocation occurred at a higher rate in greenhouse plants and in the sequence: isomer II > sulfate > ether > isomer I > diol. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.