Abstract
Caiman latirostris is one of the two crocodilian species living in Argentina. As a result of agricultural expansion produced in recent years, some populations are exposed to continuous pesticide discharge due to the proximity of its natural geographic distribution to extensive agricultural areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate genotoxicity and the effects on growth of Roundup® (RU; glyphosate based formulation) on C. latirostris hatchlings, considering concentrations commonly applied in crops and subsequently decay of the compound in water through time, as it might occur in the environment. C. latirostris 20days old, from three different clutches, were exposed to two RU concentrations in plastic containers, during two months. RU concentration was progressively decreased through time, so experimental groups were: treatment 1: 11mg/l (concentration at the beginning) to 2.5mg/l (concentration at the end of experiment), treatment 2: 21mg/l to 5mg/l; and a control without RU. At the end of exposure period, blood samples were obtained and the micronucleus (MN) test applied in erythrocytes as a marker of genotoxicity. Results indicated a significant increase in the frequency of MN (p<0.05) and a tendency to lower growth in the groups exposed to RU compared to the negative control. These results, together with those reported in previous studies; warn about the effect that C. latirostris wild populations continuously exposed to low concentrations of pesticides might be suffering.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
