Sodium benzoate inhibits germination, establishment and development of rice plants

Sodium benzoate (NaB) is widely used as food and drink preservative. However, little is known about the phytotoxic effects of NaB on plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxicity effects of exogenous sodium benzoate on seed germination and seedling establishment of rice plants. Seeds were treated with 0, 5 and 10 mM of NaB in a growth chamber with controlled conditions. NaB decreased the germination rate, plant growth and...