EFFECT OF SODIUM ARSENITE ON ARSENIC ACCUMULATION AND DISTRIBUTION INLEAVES AND FRUIT OF VITIS-VINIFERA

Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) was applied to two Vitis vinifera varieties, Aledo and Italia, for three years at a concentration of 1.25 kg NaAsO2 100 L(-1) applied by spraying or by direct application with a paint b rush. Accumulation of arsenic (As) in leaves and fruits during these t hree years was not detected. Spraying resulted in the highest levels o f As in the leaf with the concentration decreasing as the vegetative c ycle advanced. The amount of As that accumulated in the plant was rela ted to the proximity of the As application to bud break. The As levels detected in the eatable part (table grape) never reached concentratio ns that would be considered harmful to human beings.