Active Ingredient Glyphosate Research Articles

Glyphosate formulations cause mortality and diverse sublethal defects during embryonic development of the amphibian Xenopus laevis

The human impact on environmental landscapes, such as land use, climate change or pollution, is threatening global biodiversity and ecosystems maintenance. Pesticides like the herbicide glyphosate have garnered considerable attention due to their well-documented harmful effects on non-target species. During application, the active ingredient glyphosate is utilized in various formulations, each containing different additive adjuvants. However, the possible effects of these formulations on amphibians - the group with the highest decline rates among vertebrates - remain largely unknown.Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of four glyphosate formulations (Glyphosat TF, Durano TF, Helosate 450 TF, Kyleo) on the embryonic development of the model organism Xenopus laevis (South African clawed frog). Embryos at the 2-cell stage were exposed to various concentrations of glyphosate formulations (glyphosate: 0.01 – 100 mg/L), and mortality as well as sublethal effects on different organs and tissues were analyzed. The results indicated that the formulations had different effects, particularly on the mortality of Xenopus laevis embryos. At sublethal concentrations, the formulations altered the embryos' external appearance, leading to malformations such as reduced eye and head size. In addition, exposure to formulations impaired heart morphology and function, and the expression of heart-specific genes was altered at a molecular level.Our results confirmed that glyphosate formulations had a stronger effect on Xenopus laevis embryogenesis than pure glyphosate. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate both, the active ingredient and the co-formulations independently, as well as the combined, commercially available products, during pesticide risk assessments and renewal procedures of agrochemicals. The severe global decline of amphibians, partly due to herbicide use, highlights the need for strict and efficient monitoring of environmental pesticide loads and application areas.

The systemic herbicide glyphosate affects the sporulation dynamics of Rhizophagus species more severely than mechanical defoliation or the contact herbicide diquat.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are totally dependent on a suitable host plant for their carbon resources. Here, we investigated under in vitro conditions, the impact of defoliation practices, i.e., mechanical defoliation or chemical defoliation with a contact herbicide (Reglone®, containing the active ingredient diquat) or systemic herbicide (RoundUp®, containing the active ingredient glyphosate),on the dynamics of spore production of Rhizophagus irregularis and Rhizophagus intraradices associated with Solanum tuberosum and/or Medicago truncatula. Glyphosate affected the spore production rate more rapidly and severely than diquat or mechanical defoliation. We hypothesize that this effect was related to disruption of the C metabolism in the whole plant combined with a possible direct effect of glyphosate on the fungus within the roots and/or perhaps in soil via the release of this active ingredient from decaying roots. No glyphosate could be detected in the roots due to technical constraints, while its release from the roots in the medium corresponded to 0.11% of the active ingredient applied to the leaves. The three defoliation practices strongly affected root colonization, compared to the non-defoliated plants. However, the amount of glyphosate released into the medium did not affect spore germination and germ tube growth. These results suggest that the effects of defoliation on the dynamics of spore production are mainly indirect via an impact on the plant, and that the effect is faster and more marked with the glyphosate-formulation, possibly via a direct effect on the fungus in the roots and more unlikely on spore germination.

Effects of glyphosate and glyphosate‐based herbicide on learning and memory of the buff‐tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)

AbstractThe decline of insect pollinators is a global concern, and the use of pesticides has been identified as a potential cause for it. Glyphosate‐based herbicides (GBHs) are the world's most used pesticides, but until recent years they have been claimed to be safe for non‐target organisms, such as pollinators. Using controlled arena experiments, we investigated the effects on the learning and long‐term memory of buff‐tailed bumblebees, Bombus terrestris (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), of a single field‐realistic dose of glyphosate, both in its pure form and as a commercial herbicide (Roundup Gold) containing the active ingredient (a.i.) glyphosate and other co‐formulants. We found that glyphosate in its pure form caused deterioration in the learning ability of bumblebees in a 10‐color discrimination experiment; the glyphosate‐treated bees discriminated colors over 10% worse than the untreated control bees. However, the commercially used GBH (Roundup Gold) had no observable effect on the learning ability of the bumblebees, despite the fact that this herbicide contained the same amount of glyphosate as its pure form. These findings shed light on the potential risks associated with agrochemicals previously considered safe for pollinators and emphasize the need for comprehensive risk assessments of pesticides, including evaluations of cognitive functions in pollinators. Therefore, we propose that future pesticide testing should incorporate broader assessments to ensure the safety of pollinators in agricultural landscapes.

Phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic assessment of glyphosate on Lactuca sativa L.

The active ingredient glyphosate is the most commercialized herbicide on the world market due to its capability in eliminating weeds. However, it can harm the development of non-target organisms and threaten environmental quality. This study analyzed the effects of potentially toxic concentrations of glyphosate on germination, growth, cell cycle and genomic stability of Lactuca sativa L., and identified the most sensitive variables for assessing the toxicity of this herbicide to this biomonitor. Seeds of L. sativa were germinated in Petri dishes containing a sheet of filter paper moistened with 5 mL of a concentration of glyphosate (1.34, 3.35, 6.70, 10.05, 13.40 mg L-1). Controls consisted of distilled water (negative) and 3 mg L-1 CuSO4 (positive). Macroscopic and microscopic variables were analyzed. The germination of L. sativa was not affected by the concentrations of glyphosate. Root length and shoot height of the plants and the mitotic index decreased from the lowest concentration tested on. The chromosomal anomaly index and frequency of micronuclei increased by 3.2 and 22 times, respectively, with the presence of the lowest concentration of glyphosate compared to the negative control. The observed phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic effects demonstrate the negative influence that glyphosate has on the development of L. sativa. Root length and microscopic variables showed the highest sensitivity. This study warns of the possible harmful effects that glyphosate can have on non-target organisms and suggests greater control over the use of this herbicide to mitigate its environmental impact.

Herbicide potassium glyphosate 660 g/L as weed control in hybrid corn (Zea mays L.) cultivation under no-tillage system ​

Weed management during land preparation is a pivotal concern in agriculture. A viable alternative for weed control in the context of corn cultivation involves employing herbicides within the no-tillage system. Potassium salts formulated with the active ingredient glyphosate allow more effective absorption of glyphosate into the leaves This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and obtain a dose of Potassium Glyphosate 660 g/L herbicide in controlling weeds in corn cultivation with the no-tillage system. The research was conducted from January to May 2023 at the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Padjadjaran, West Java, Indonesia. The experiment used a randomized block design (RBD) with 6 treatments and 4 replications. The treatment consisted of no-tillage with a dose of herbicide with the active ingredient Potassium Glyphosate 660 g/L dose of 1.0 L/ha, 1.5 L/ha, 2.0 L/ha, 2.5 L/ha, 3.0 L/ha, and a control (Perfect Tillage). The application of herbicide with the active ingredient Potassium Glyphosate 660 g/L was carried out once, namely 14 days before corn planting. The experimental results showed that the herbicide with the active ingredient Potassium Glyphosate 660 g/L starting at a dose of 2.0 L/ha – 3.0 L/ha was effective in controlling weeds Imperata cylindrica, Bidens pilosa, Alternanthera sessilis, Ageratum conyzoides, and Borreria alata and other weeds (Mimosa invisa, Cyperus rotundus, Synedrella nodiflora, Axonopus compressus) up to 4 weeks after planting without causing a phytotoxic effect on corn planting and preparation for planting corn and increasing the growth and yield of corn plants.

How farmers perceive perennial weeds in Northern France and Eastern Germany

European farmers are required to follow the transition towards sustainable agriculture and food systems. Perennial weed management without chemical herbicides and inversion tillage is challenging farmers. Questions arise to cope with these spreading weeds. Our study focuses on farmers’ perceptions and experiences of perennial weeds and their control in Northern France and Eastern Germany. A survey was developed to explore the situation regarding present concerns and future problems for perennial weed control. The survey conducted from winter 2020/21 to spring 2021 targeted conventional, conservation and organic farms. We found a high level of awareness for perennial weeds. On average, 80.0% of Northern French farmers and 65.9% of Eastern German farmers revealed present concerns about perennial weeds. Both, Northern French and Eastern German farmers perceived perennial weeds are more damaging to crop production than other pests. In both regions, the farmers considered Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. as the most important perennial weed. While the majority of the Eastern German farmers observed field infestations of Elymus repens (L.) Gould, Northern French farmers more often reported Sonchus arvensis L. infestations. More than 50% of the farmers stated Rumex spp. infestations in Northern France and Eastern Germany. Interestingly, Eastern German farmers are more concerned about future perennial weed problems than Northern French farmers. The reasons for farmer’s future concerns are probably connected to the farming system. In both regions, conservation and conventional farmers heavily rely on herbicides for perennial weed control, however, more farms used the active ingredient glyphosate in Eastern Germany. Nonetheless, perennial weed control is a major concern for organic farmers in both regions. We conclude that optimizing and integrating non-chemical alternatives is promising in all farming systems. Research activities are required to provide farmers and extension services with novel and profitable perennial weed management practices.

Application of Highly Sensitive Immunosensor Based on Optical Waveguide Light-Mode Spectroscopy (OWLS) Technique for the Detection of the Herbicide Active Ingredient Glyphosate.

The herbicide active ingredient glyphosate is the most widely applied herbicidal substance worldwide. Currently it is the market-leading pesticide, and its use is projected to further grow 4.5-fold between 2022 and 2029. Today, glyphosate use exceeds one megaton per year worldwide, which represents a serious environmental burden. A factor in the overall boost in the global use of glyphosate has been the spread of glyphosate-tolerant genetically modified (GM) crops that allow post-emergence applications of the herbicide on these transgenic crops. In turn, cultivation of glyphosate-tolerant GM crops represented 56% of the glyphosate use in 2019. Due to its extremely high application rate, xenobiotic behaviour and a water solubility (11.6 mg/mL at 25 °C) unusually high among pesticide active ingredients, glyphosate has become a ubiquitous water pollutant and a primary drinking water contaminant worldwide, presenting a threat to water quality. The goal of our research was to develop a rapid and sensitive method for detecting this herbicide active ingredient. For this purpose, we applied the novel analytical biosensor technique optical waveguide light-mode spectroscopy (OWLS) to the label-free detection of glyphosate in a competitive immunoassay format using glyphosate-specific polyclonal antibodies. After immobilising the antigen conjugate in the form of a glyphosate conjugated to human serum albumin for indirect measurement, the sensor chip was used in a flow-injection analyser system. For the measurements, an antibody stock solution was diluted to 2.5 µg/mL. During the measurement, standard solutions were mixed with the appropriate concentration of antibodies and incubated for 1 min before injection. The linear detection range and the EC50 value of the competitive detection method were between 0.01 and 100 ng/mL and 0.60 ng/mL, respectively. After investigating the indirect method, we tested the cross-reactivity of the antibody with glyphosate and structurally related compounds.

Involvement of glyphosate in disruption of biotransformation P450 enzymes and hepatic lipid metabolism in chicken

The current study investigated the potentially harmful consequences of pure glyphosate or Roundup® on CYP family members and lipid metabolism in newly hatched chicks. On the sixth day, 225 fertilized eggs were randomly divided into three treatments: (1) the control group injected with deionized water, (2) the glyphosate group injected with 10 mg pure glyphosate/Kg egg mass and (3) the Roundup group injected 10 mg the active ingredient glyphosate in Roundup®/Kg egg. The results of the study revealed a reduction in hatchability in chicks treated with Roundup®. Moreover, change of Lipid concentration in serum and the liver-treated groups. Additionally, increased liver function enzymes and increased oxidative stress in the glyphosate and Roundup® groups. Furthermore, liver tissues showed histological changes and several lipid deposits in glyphosate-treated groups. Hepatic CYP1A2 and CYP1A4 expressions were significantly increased (p < .05) after glyphosate exposure, and suppression of CYP1C1 mRNA expression was significant (p < .05) after Roundup® exposure. The pro-inflammatory cytokines genes IFN-γ and IL-1β expression were significantly increased (p < .05) after Roundup® exposure. In addition, there were significant differences in the levels of expression genes which are related to lipid synthesis or catabolism in the liver. In conclusion, in ovo glyphosate exposure caused disruption of biotransformation, pro-inflammatory and lipid metabolism in chicks.

The Effect Of Giving Supremo Made From Active Glyphosate On The Control Of Banyan Weeds On Oil Palm Plants Produces Using The Root Infusion System

The internship activity at PT Supra Matra Abadi Kebun Aek Nabara (KAN) in Bilah Hulu District, LabuhanBatu Regency, North Sumatra Province, this activity was carried out for four months, March-July and the method used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 different treatments, namely by concentration of 6% and 7%. Results: Afdilling III PT Supra Matra Abadi controlled banyan weeds using two treatments, namely manually and chemically. The banyan weed is a nuisance plant, because its life clings to or suffocates the oil palm plant. The negative impacts on oil palm plants are pest attacks, competition occurs, humidity increases, making it difficult for the pruning and harvesting processes. The banyan weed population in PT Supra Matra Abadi is in block C87C and block C87G. The purpose of this study was to determine the effective and efficient concentration in the use of the supremo herbicide with the active ingredient glyphosate. Based on the results of research that has been carried out from the two concentrations of the herbicide supremo 480 SL which is effective and efficient for controlling banyan weeds in oil palm plants, namely a concentration of 7%. Because at a concentration of 6% it takes 30 days to see the banyan weed die

Estimating the Reduction in Cover Crop Vitality Followed by Pelargonic Acid Application Using Drone Imagery

Cultivation of cover crops is a valuable practice in sustainable agriculture. In cover crop management, the method of desiccation is an important consideration, and one widely used method for this is the application of glyphosate. With use of glyphosate likely to be banned soon in Europe, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the herbicidal effect of pelargonic acid (PA) as a bio-based substitute for glyphosate. This study presents the results of a two-year field experiment (2019 and 2021) conducted in northeast Germany. The experimental setup included an untreated control, three different dosages (16, 8, and 5 L/ha) of PA, and the active ingredients glyphosate and pyraflufen. A completely randomised block design was established. The effect of the herbicide treatments was assessed by a visual estimate of the percentage of crop vitality and a comparison assessment provided by an Ebee+ drone. Four vegetation indices (VIs) calculated from the drone images were used to verify the credibility of colour (RGB)-based and near-infrared (NIR)-based vegetation indices. The results of both types of assessment indicated that pelargonic acid was reasonably effective in controlling cover crops within a week of application. In both experimental years, the PA (16 L/ha) and PA_2T (double application of 8 L/ha) treatments demonstrated their highest herbicidal effect for up to seven days after application. PA (16 L/ha) vitality loss decreased over time, while PA_2T (double application of 8 L/ha) continued to exhibit an almost constant effect for longer due to the second application one week later. The PA dosage of 5 L/ha, pyraflufen, and a mixture of the two exhibited a smaller vitality loss than the other treatments. However, except for glyphosate, the herbicidal effect of all the other treatments decreased over time. At the end of the experiment, the glyphosate treatment (3 L/ha) demonstrated the lowest estimated vitality. The results of the drone assessments indicated that vegetation indices (VIs) can provide detailed information regarding crop vitality following herbicide application and that RGB-based indices, such as EXG, have the potential to be applied efficiently and cost-effectively utilising drone imagery. The results of this study demonstrate that pelargonic acid has considerable potential for use as an additional tool in integrated crop management.

Rapid determination of polyethoxylated tallow amine surfactants in human plasma by LC-MSMS

The potential exposure to the widely used glyphosate-based herbicides, including attempted suicide by ingestion, is of world-wide concern. Whilst the major focus to date has been on managing exposure to the active ingredient glyphosate, it is now recognised that a common major ‘inert’ surfactant ingredient, polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA) and related compounds, may be more toxic. However, the information on the toxicokinetics of POEA surfactants after exposure is limited, in part, due to the lack of suitable methods for their analysis in biological matrices. We therefore developed and validated a robust LC-MSMS method that allowed, for the first time, a rapid analysis of 11 POEA homologues in human plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Kinetex EVO C18 column under a 5 min gradient elution with mobile phase A containing water/acetonitrile/formic acid (95:5:0.1, v/v/v) and mobile phase B containing acetonitrile/water/formic acid (95:5:0.1, v/v/v). Amlodipine was chosen as the internal standard (IS) for this assay. Amlodipine-d4 would be an ideal alternative IS to expand the applicability of the established method especially in antihypertensive patients. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) methods were optimized for 11 POEA homologues and the IS. Sample pre-treatment was performed using simple protein precipitation with methanol at a ratio of 4:1, requiring only 20 μL plasma. The validated method showed good specificity, accuracy and precision with lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) ranging from 0.35 to 10.8 ng mL−1 for all selected POEA homologues. The method was then used to measure concentrations of the various POEA surfactants in more than 600 human plasma samples from 151 patients admitted to hospital with acute glyphosate intoxication. The highest concentrations ranged from 1.07 ng mL−1 for C18u(EO)4–362.70 ng mL−1 for C16s(EO)2. The analysis of POEA surfactants plasma concentrations as described here underpins the assessment of POEA internal exposure and the relationships between POEA related glyphosate toxicity and the extent of poisoning.

Utilization of a Novel Immunofluorescence Instrument Prototype for the Determination of the Herbicide Glyphosate.

An enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay (ELFIA) method has been developed for the quantitative analytical determination of the herbicide active ingredient glyphosate in environmental matrices (surface water, soil, and plant tissues). Glyphosate, as a ubiquitous agricultural pollutant, is a xenobiotic substance with exposure in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems due its extremely high worldwide application rate. The immunoassay developed in Project Aquafluosense is part of a fluorescence-based instrumentation setup for the in situ determination of several characteristic water quality parameters. The 96-well microplate-based competitive immunoassay method applies fluorescence signal detection in the concentration range of 0–100 ng/mL glyphosate. Application of the fluorescent signal provides a limit of detection of 0.09 ng/mL, which is 2.5-fold lower than that obtained with a visual absorbance signal. Beside the improved limit of detection, determination by fluorescence provided a wider and steeper dynamic range for glyphosate detection. No matrix effect appeared for the undiluted surface water samples, while plant tissues and soil samples required dilution rates of 1:10 and 1:100, respectively. No cross-reaction was determined with the main metabolite of glyphosate, N-aminomethylphosphonic acid, and related compounds.

Roundup in the aquatic environment and fish reproduction

This review paper aims at presenting the effects of Roundup in the aquatic environment on fish reproduction. It describes the mechanism of action and toxic effects of Roundup and its active ingredient glyphosate on non-target organisms — flatworms, amphibians, and mammals. Commercial formulations based on glyphosate are dangerous for living organisms, as they lead to behavioral disorders, reduce reproductive parameters, and may cause metabolic disorders. In fish, Roundup causes damage to the liver, brain, and gills, and triggers degenerative changes in the kidneys. Sublethal doses of this pesticide impair locomotor activity and damage DNA through oxidative stress. Many experiments show the toxic effect of Roundup on fish reproduction. Reported anomalies include disturbances in embryogenesis (e.g. pericardial edema, tail bend), reduced embryo survival, and an increase in the number of deformed larvae. Roundup and glyphosate inhibit ovarian follicular growth in adult females. Adult males exposed to the pesticide have inferior semen quality, with limited sperm concentration and motility. Roundup represents a serious threat to land and water organisms, and limitation of its use is necessary.

The Effect of Sulfentrazone and Glyphosate Herbicides to Control Eleusine Indica L. a Resistant weed to Herbicide

Weed Eleusine indica L. was reported to have been difficult to control using glyphosate in Oil palm plantation during the time. Sulfentrazone was used as an alternative herbicide for the management of resistant weeds. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two active ingredients Glyphosate and Sulfentrazone on weed Eleusine indica L. resistant to herbicide. The study was conducted using Completely Randomly Designed (CRD) with 14 treatments and 3 replications. 14 treatments consisted of single herbicide Glyphosate, which was applied at field rate 2 l/ha, Sulfentrazone was sprayed at the numerous dose of 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 ml/ha, and the mixture of Glyphosate and sulfentrazone at the dose of 500 ml/ha + 2 l/ha and 750 ml/ha + 2 l/ha, respectively. The research was conducted at the Greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, Padang, from August to December, 2021. The results showed that there were significantly effect when used in combination of herbicides Glyphosate and Sulfentrazone, showed 100% of mortality weed after 3 week application. For a single active ingredient, Glyphosate controlled eficiently weed at the 4-leaf stage, Sulfentrazone had same impact on managing weed on the 4 and 6-leaf stage, both caused 100% weed dead. However, weed Eleusine indica L. was treated with Glyphosate still survived on 6 and 8 leaves weeds. Similar to Glyphosate, Sulfentrazone could not completely control resistant weeds at the 8-leaf stage. Classification of resistant weed Eleusine indica L. are herbicide-developing resistance 14%, herbicide-resistant 22%, and herbicide-susceptible 64%.

The adverse impact of herbicide Roundup Ultra Plus in human spermatozoa plasma membrane is caused by its surfactant

The scarce research about the worldwide used glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup is controversial in human reproduction, especially spermatozoa. This study investigates the in vitro effect in human spermatozoa of Roundup Ultra Plus (RUP), its active ingredient glyphosate and its non-active, surfactant. Human spermatozoa were incubated (1 h, 37 °C) in presence/absence of RUP 0.01%, glyphosate, or equivalent surfactant concentration. Motility and sperm parameters were analyzed by C.A.S.A and flow cytometry, respectively. RUP significantly increases sperm plasma membrane lipid disorganization in a concentration-dependent manner while it decreases plasma membrane integrity. RUP significantly increases the death spermatozoa population after A23187-induced acrosome reaction, without affecting sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS content, acrosome membrane damage, phosphatidylserine exposure, A23187-induced acrosome reaction or GSK3 phosphorylation. RUP also significantly decreases motile and the a + b sperm populations. Interestingly, all sperm effects caused by RUP 0.01% are mimicked by its surfactant POEA at equivalent concentration. However, glyphosate does not affect any sperm parameter, even using 10-times higher concentration than the RUP 0.01% equivalent. RUP disturbs lipid organization and integrity of human sperm plasma membrane and reduces motility, without affecting viability or functional parameters. Importantly, RUP adverse effects in human spermatozoa are caused by the surfactant and no by glyphosate.

Efektivitas Pengendalian Gulma Tanaman Eucalyptus sp pada Areal Mineral di Estate Cerenti, PT. RAPP

One of the wood industry activities in the forestry sector is the Eucalyptus sp industry at PT.Riau Mainstay Pulp and Paper Riau Province. The wood production process is used for pulpand has many factors in its productivity. One of them is in the planting process with weedcontrol problems, which use the herbicide with the active ingredient glyphosate. The use of the herbicide with the active ingredient glyphosate is not effective against all types of weeds. Therefore, it is necessary to know the right combination of weed control methods to control weeds for the expected results. Research is located in PT. RAPP, Kuantan Singingi Regency, Riau Province. The research design used was a completely randomized design with a factorial pattern that used 2 treatment factors in the form of Weeding Round consisting of Weeding Round 5 Over Due (late weeding) and Weeding Round 5 On Time (on time) and weed control methods consisting of chemical methods, the tripe combination method with chemical and thecombination lever method with chemical. The parameters observed were the type and amount of weed vegetation, the development of weed death, the percentage of weed death and the PQA value of weeding. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance. The results that showed a significant effect were further tested using the LSD (Least Significant Difference) test. The results showed that there were 6 types of weeds found in the research area, namely Senduduk Bulu (Clidemia hirta), Senduduk (Melastoma malabathricum), Acacia mangium saplings (Acacia mangium), Lemidi Paku (Stenochlaena palustris), Grass (Poaceae) and Liana. The most dominant type of weed was Clidemia hirta with an Important Value Index of 127.72% and the weed with the smallest effect was liana with an Important Value Index of 0.88%. Based on the results of the analysis of the development of weed mortality, the percentage of weed mortality and the PQA value of weeding, the combination of jackhammer and chemical method is the most appropriate control method applied because it has an average PQA value of 100%.In the chemical method there are fern weeds that are difficult to die and in the combination tripe and chemical method there are fern weeds that grow new leaves on the 16th day of observation.Keywords: PQA Weeding; Weeds; Weed Control Methods

Glyphosate-based herbicide induces long-lasting impairment in neuronal and glial differentiation.

Glyphosate‐based herbicides (GBH) are among the most sold pesticides in the world. There are several formulations based on the active ingredient glyphosate (GLY) used along with other chemicals to improve the absorption and penetration in plants. The final composition of commercial GBH may modify GLY toxicological profile, potentially enhancing its neurotoxic properties. The developing nervous system is particularly susceptible to insults occurring during the early phases of development, and exposure to chemicals in this period may lead to persistent impairments on neurogenesis and differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐lasting effects of a sub‐cytotoxic concentration, 2.5 parts per million of GBH and GLY, on the differentiation of human neuroepithelial stem cells (NES) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). We treated NES cells with each compound and evaluated the effects on key cellular processes, such as proliferation and differentiation in daughter cells never directly exposed to the toxicants. We found that GBH induced a more immature neuronal profile associated to increased PAX6, NESTIN and DCX expression, and a shift in the differentiation process toward glial cell fate at the expense of mature neurons, as shown by an increase in the glial markers GFAP, GLT1, GLAST and a decrease in MAP2. Such alterations were associated to dysregulation of key genes critically involved in neurogenesis, including PAX6, HES1, HES5, and DDK1. Altogether, the data indicate that subtoxic concentrations of GBH, but not of GLY, induce long‐lasting impairments on the differentiation potential of NES cells.

Parameterization of a Brazilian scenario in the USEPA Pesticide in Water Calculator tool to estimate the environmental exposure of pesticide in surface waters.

The current pesticide registration process in Brazil is mainly hazard-based and does not consider exposure and therefore risk. However, the scenario prompted changes and discussions about risk assessments by Brazilian environmental regulatory agencies. The US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Pesticide in Water Calculator (PWC) model is used as a regulatory tool for aquatic exposure assessment in Canada and the USA for exposure evaluation of agrochemical products; nevertheless, the available scenarios only consider North American local conditions. This work aims to demonstrate a parametrization of the PWC model for a Brazilian scenario, considering the active ingredient glyphosate and sugarcane agronomic practices. The estimated environmental concentrations (EECs) obtained were compared with two standard EPA scenarios. Essential parameter data to build a specific local scenario were collected from the literature and official Brazilian databases. The EECs (1-in-10 years) of glyphosate according to the conditions established were 1.427 μg L-1 (1st day), 0.382 µg L-1 (21st day), and 0.2027 µg L-1 (60th day). These values can be used as exposure elements in acute and chronic risk assessments considering the agricultural practices used in the developed scenario. A 4.45-fold and 1.28-fold difference was found comparing the 1-day (1-in-10 years) average concentration of the Brazilian scenario with two EPA standard scenarios. Such a difference may affect the outcome of risk assessments, affecting regulatory decisions. This demonstrates the importance of generating more realistic scenarios for Brazil, yielding surface water EECs that consider local conditions.Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1387-1398. © 2021 SETAC.

Cytotoxic effects of Roundup Classic and its components on NE-4C and MC3T3-E1 cell lines determined by biochemical and flow cytometric assays

Cytotoxic effects of the market leading broad-spectrum, synthetic herbicide product Roundup Classic, its active ingredient glyphosate (in a form of its isopropylamine (IPA) salt) and its formulating surfactant polyethoxylated tallowamine (POE-15) were determined on two murine cell lines, a neuroectodermal stem cell-like (NE-4C) and a high alkaline phosphatase activity osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1). Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, effects on cell viability and cell cycles were examined in five flow cytometry tests, the two former of which were compared by the enzymatic-assay and the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay. All of the tests indicated the NE-4C cells being more sensitive, than the MC3T3-E1 cell line to the treatments with the target compounds. Higher sensitivity differences were detected in the viability test by flow cytometry (7–9-fold), than by the MTT assay (1.5–3-fold); in the genotoxicity test by the Comet assay (3.5–403-fold), than by the DNA-damage test (9.3–158-fold); and in the apoptosis test by the Annexin V dead cell kit (1.1–12.7-fold), than by the Caspase 3/7 kit (1–6.5-fold). Cell cycle assays indicated high count of cells (~70%) in the G0/G1 phase for MC3T3-E1 cells, than in NE-4C cell (~40%) after 24 h. The order of the inhibitory potency of the target substances has unequivocally been POE-15 > Roundup Classic > > glyphosate IPA salt.

The cytological and molecular investigation of the toxic effects of the herbicide Roundup on Cucumis sativus

In the current study, it is aimed to investigate the toxic effects of a widely used herbicide Roundup containing active ingredient glyphosate on cucumber (Cucumis sativus) by cytological and molecular investigation. Three different concentrations (0.6%, 1.2% and 2.4%) of Roundup were applied to cucumber for 48 and 72 hours. At the end of the application procedure, the germination percentage, mean root length, mitotic frequency and mitotic abnormalities, RAPD profiles and Genomic template stability (GTS) were determined in root apical meristematic cells. For RAPD PCR analysis 10 RAPD primers were used, 8 of them produced band patterns and it was found that 5 RAPD primers among them produced unique polymorphic band patterns and subsequently were used to produce a total of 24 bands. Observed percentage of polymorphism was 26%. The changes in RAPD profiles after Roundup treatment was included variations as gain and/or loss of bands compared with the control group. Genomic template stability changed in RAPD profiles at various Roundup concentrations.