We have reported that NH4NO3 (AN, 8 mM, pH 4.2), applied as simulated spray droplets, enhanced penetration of 14C-NAA through isolated leaf and fruit cuticles. One explanation for this response is that AN depresses NAA (pKa= 4.2) dissociation, increasing the nondissociated moiety, which penetrates more readily than the anion (NAA'). Direct measurement of AN (concn. 0-800 mM) effect on NAA (215 μM) dissociation as indexed by change in solution pH revealed no significant effect, with a pH change from 4.19 to 4.05. This change is not sufficient to account for the observed enhancement. When 14C-NAA, buffered (20 mM sodium citrate) at pH 3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, was partitioned against chloroform, there was a marked increase in NAA partitioning into chloroform as pH was decreased. AN (8 mM) did not alter this partition behavior, also indicating no effect on NAA dissociation. However, in cuticle penetration studies, using a finite dose system with 14C-NAA buffered at pH 3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2, and in the presence and absence of 8 mM AN, there was no marked or consistent pH or AN (-70 to + 232 % of no AN control) effect on penetration as indexed by initial slope (4-12 h) or penetration after 120 h. The possible effects of AN and buffer on penetration of 14C-NAA from the droplet deposit will be discussed.
