[Study of the effect of the fungicide zineb on microorganisms].

Changes in yeast cells induced by the fungicide zineb were studied using biochemical, genetic techniques and electron microscopy. The primary changes involved anabolic processes since RNA and protein content increased in the cells. The data were consistent with a larger size of mitochondria. The oxidative-reductive activity of cell extracts did not change under the action of the fungicide. Zineb at a concentration of 0.5 to 50 mg/litre exerted a genetic activity towards indicator microorganisms. The changes in the morphophysiological characteristics of yeast growth under the action of zineb are presumed to be of a protective nature. Zineb traces in soil must be controlled in terms of the microbiological index.