Abstract
The effect of acetochlor and acetochlor+AD-67 safener (N-dichloro-acetyl-11-oxo-azaspiro-(4,5)-decane) on the early root development of maize was investigated in provocative pot experiments, under greenhouse conditions. Different phenophases in the early development of maize were described. The time when various root types (primary, secondary and adventitious roots) were formed and eliminated was not influenced by the herbicide treatments. Seminal roots (primary and secondary roots) could be measured five days after sowing (DAS). The primary roots began to disintegrate two weeks after sowing, while this occurred a week later for the secondary roots. Tertiary (adventitious) roots began to appear 8 DAS,then intensively developed and gradually took over the function of the seminal roots. Acetochlor significantly reduced the length of the primary, secondary and tertiary roots and the whole root area by the end of the experiments. AD-67 safener was proved to have a protective effect on the early root development of maize seedlings.