Translocation of the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin-LR into guttation drops of Triticum aestivum and remaining toxicity

Abstract

Uptake of the commonly occurring cyanobacterial toxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) into crop plants via spray irrigation has been demonstrated. As other hazardous compounds such as pesticides were shown to be transported within plants, it was essential to understand the transport and fate of MC-LR in plants and the risks posed to grazers and other consumers. Of specific interest was to investigate if MC-LR could be detected in guttation drops and the toxicity thereof. Triticum aestivum (wheat) seedlings were exposed to 100 μg L−1 MC-LR in two separate experiments during which guttation drops were collected at various time points. The plants of one experiment were sectioned to investigate MC-LR distribution to the various plant appendages via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. After exposure, MC-LR could be detected in the roots, stems, leaves, and the guttation drops. However, the guttation drops were not toxic to Daphnia. As the environmentally relevant toxin concentration used was not sufficient to promote mortality in Daphnia, the physiological effect in insects, which rely on guttation drops as a water source, remains unknown. Combined with other contaminants that insects may be exposed to, the additional MC-LR exposure could contribute to the overall toxicity through the “tears of death”.