Responses of photosynthesis,antioxidant enzymes,and related gene expression to nicosulfuron stress in sweet maize (Zea mays L.)

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Weed control in maize (Zea mays L.) crops is usually undertaken using the postemergence herbicide nicosulfuron. The toxicity of nicosulfuron on maize,...     

Uptake,translocation, and control of trumpet flower (Tecoma stans) with aminocyclopyrachlor

To gain a better understanding of the physiology of the herbicide aminocyclopyrachlor in young plants of trumpet flower, the uptake and translocation were evaluated after the application of herbicide. This was determined by treating individual leaves with formulated herbicides plus ¹⁴C-aminocyclopyrachlor after the application of the formulated herbicide. This experiment used a randomized experimental design with three replications. In addition, field studies were conducted to assess the effectiveness of foliar applications of aminocyclopyrachlor in association with metsulfuton-methyl. The plant absorbed 20% of the herbicide applied. The translocation percentage did not surpass 5% of the total amount applied. Only 1% of the herbicide applied was translocated to the roots. Rate of 40 + 13 g a.i. 100 L^?1 of aminocyclopyrachlor+metsulfuron-methyl was effective to control T. stans.     

Effects of herbicide and insecticide interaction on soil entomofauna under maize crop

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the herbicide mixture nicosulfuron + atrazine, with or without the insecticide chlorpyrifos, onto soil entomofauna under maize crop. The treatments, applied 25 days after maize emergence, were represented by a weeded control without insecticide and herbicide, a weeded control with chlorpyrifos, and mixtures of nicosulfuron + atrazine, with or without chlorpyrifos. Arthropods populations, on the soil surface, as well as inside the soil under maize, were principally represented by mites (Arachnida: Acari), decomposer collembolans (Hexapoda:Parainsecta:Collembola) and predator ants (Hymenoptera:Formicidae). The nicosulfuron + atrazine mixture with chlorpyrifos and the isolated chlorpyrifos reduced the population dynamics of all insect groups on the soil surface compared to the weeded control. In the soil, mite and ant populations were reduced after application of the herbicide mixture with chlorpyrifos and of the isolated chlorpyrifos.     

Biodegradation of nicosulfuron by the bacterium Serratia marcescens N80

By enrichment culturing of the sludge collected from the industrial wastewater treatment pond, we isolated a highly efficient nicosulfuron degrading bacterium Serratia marcescens N80. In liquid medium, Serratia marcescens N80 grows using nicosulfuron as the sole nitrogen source, and the optimal temperature, pH values, and inoculation for degradation are 30–35°C, 6.0–7.0, and 3.0% (v/v), respectively. With the initial concentration of 10 mg L^?1, the degradation rate is 93.6% in 96 hours; as the initial concentrations are higher than 10 mg L^?1, the biodegradation rates decrease as the nicosulfuron concentrations increase; when the concentration is 400 mg L^?1, the degradation rate is only 53.1%. Degradation follows the pesticide degradation kinetic equation at concentrations between 5 mg L^?1 and 50 mg L^?1. Identification of the metabolites by the liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) indicates that the degradation of nicosulfuron is achieved by breaking the sulfonylurea bridge. The strain N80 also degraded some other sulfonylurea herbicides, including ethametsulfuron, tribenuron-methyl, metsulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron-ethyl,and rimsulfuron.     

Side effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus thuringiensis</Emphasis> var. kurstaki on the hymenopterous parasitic wasp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichogramma chilonis</Emphasis>

Most of the detrimental effects of using conventional insecticides to control crop pests are now well identified and are nowadays major arguments for replacing such compounds by the use of biological control agents. In this respect, the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki and Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) parasitic wasp species are both effective against lepidopterous pests and can actually be used concomitantly. In this work, we studied the potential side effects of B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki on Trichogramma chilonis females. We first evidenced an acute toxicity of B. thuringiensis on T. chilonis. Then, after ingestion of B. thuringiensis at sublethal doses, we focused on life history traits of T. chilonis such as longevity, reproductive success and the time spent on host eggs patches. The reproductive success of T. chilonis was not modified by B. thuringiensis while a significant effect was observed on longevity and the time spent on host eggs patches. The physiological and ecological meanings of the results obtained are discussed.     

Determination of pendimethalin (PROWL®480 EC) spray drift from ground applications

Abstract

Pendimethalin herbicide (PROWL^®480 EC) spray drift was determined from ground applications representing the highest rate applied to corn in eastern Canada. A novel drift collector pattern was laid out on the ground immediately before herbicide application. Most of the drift collectors were located downwind of the application target area. The maximum labelled rate of 1.68 kg ai/Ha was applied on 2 occasions on separate sites. In both applications, drift collector cards indicated that concentrations of pendimethalin were not detectable outside the target zone (<0.01 μg/cm²) at or beyond the 10 metre drift collector stations. Risk assessment calculations indicated that non‐target organisms would not be at significant risk from off‐site movement of pendimethalin.     

Cytotoxicity of the herbicide basalin (fluchloralin) in helianthus and linum

Abstract

The herbicide Basalin [Fluchloralin: N‐propyl‐N (2 chloroethyl) ‐2,6—dinitro‐n‐trifluoromethyl aniline] was found to reduce the germination percentage in both Helianthus annuus L. and Linum usitatissimum L.. Treatment with Basalin also decreased the mitotic index and increased the total chromosomal abnormalities in these crops. Chromosomal abnormalities arising due to mitotic spindle disruption were commonly observed.     

Toxicity assessment of the maize herbicides S-metolachlor,benoxacor, mesotrione and nicosulfuron,and their corresponding commercial formulations,alone and in mixtures,using the Microtox® test

The Microtox® test, using the prokaryote Vibrio fischeri, was employed to assess the toxicity of the maize herbicides S-metolachlor, benoxacor, mesotrione and nicosulfuron, and their formulated compounds: Dual Gold Safeneur®, Callisto® and Milagro®; alone and in mixtures. For each compound we obtained original IC₅₀ values, with consistent higher toxicities for formulated compounds compared to active ingredients alone. Mixtures of the four herbicides, prepared according to application doses encountered in agriculture, were found to be toxic at a lower concentration than single molecules. Mesotrione and nicosulfuron mixture appeared to be highly toxic to V. fischeri, however, this recommended post-emergence combination for maize crops got its toxicity decreased in formulated compound mixtures, suggesting that chemical interactions could potentially reduce the toxicity. Data comparisons to theoretical models showed a good prediction of mixture toxicity by Concentration Addition concept. Results seemed to exclude any synergistic effects on V. fischeri for the tested herbicide mixtures. Additional work coupling these bioassay data to ecosystemic level studies (aquatic and soil compartments) and data on additives and degradation products toxicity, will help to fill the gap in our knowledge of the environmental impact of these xenobiotics and in the choice of a more sustainable use of pesticides.     

Hematological and histopathological changes in silver catfish Rhamdia quelen (Siluriformes) exposed to clomazone herbicide in the Madre River,Santa Catarina State,Southern Brazil

This study evaluated the influence of the clomazone herbicide (2-[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone) contamination on the hematological parameters and histological changes in gills and liver of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) from Madre River, Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil. Fish were collected between March 2010 and January 2012 at two different sites of the Madre River, one site receiving residual water (contaminated site) from rice culture (n = 49) and another that do not receive residual water (reference site) (n = 48). The herbicide clomazone analysis detected 3.40 ± 1.70 μg/L in the contaminated site and 1.1 ± 0.33 μg/L in the reference site. Fish from contaminated site showed increased (P < 0.05) number of monocytes suggesting the possible defense response as a result of chronic exposure to clomazone. On the other hand, no difference was found in the hematocrit percentage, red blood cell count, total thrombocyte number, white blood cell count, lymphocytes, and neutrophils number. Fish from both sites showed histopathological changes in gills and liver, possibly caused by chronic exposure to contamination. The influence of herbicide sub doses on fish health is also discussed.     

Phytotoxicity and antioxidative enzymes of green microalga (Desmodesmus subspicatus) and duckweed (Lemna minor) exposed to herbicides MCPA,chloridazon and their mixtures

In this study, we evaluate the toxicity of MCPA (auxin-like growth inhibitor), chloridazon (CHD) (PSII-inhibitor) and their mixtures to floating plants and planktonic algae. Toxicity of MCPA (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid) and CHD (5-amino-4-chloro-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone) was first assessed in two growth inhibition tests with Lemna minor (ISO/DIS 20079) and Desmodesmus subspicatus (ISO 8692). Next, herbicide mixtures at concentrations corresponding to the EC values were used to assess their interactive effects, and the biomarkers were: for duckweed fresh weight, frond area, chlorophyll content and number of fronds, and for algae cell count and cell volume. The 3d EC₁₀ and EC₅₀ values using cell counts of D. subspicatus were 142.7 and 529.1 mg/L for MCPA and 1.7 and 5.1 mg/L for CHD. The 7d EC₁₀ and EC₅₀ values using frond number of L. minor amounted to 0.8 and 5.4 mg/L for MCPA and 0.7 and 10.4 mg/L for CHD. Higher sensitivity of reproductive (number of cells/fronds) than growth processes (cell volume/frond area) to herbicides applied individually and in mixtures was especially pronounced in the responses of Desmodesmus. Herbicide interactions were assessed by the two-way ANOVA and Abbott's formula. Generally, an antagonistic interaction with Lemna was revealed by MCPA and chloridazon, whereas additive effect of both herbicides was observed for Desmodesmus. A significant stimulation of SOD and APX activity by binary mixtures was noted in algal cells mainly after 24 and 48 hours of exposure. The extremely high stimulation of the activity of both enzymes was induced by the combination EC₁₀CHD + EC₅₀MCPA (48 h). Presumably due to oxidative stress, the treatment with CHD at concentration EC₅₀ after 72h was lethal for algae grown in aerated cultures, in contrast to standardized test conditions. Taking into account the consequences of risk assessment for herbicide mixtures we can state that a relatively low toxicity, as well as the lack of significant synergy between MCPA and CHD to non-target plants appears to be the most important result.     

Expression and functional analysis of three nicosulfuron-degrading enzymes from Bacillus subtilis YB1

To investigate the degradation activity of the manganese ABC transporter, vegetative catalase 1 and acetoin dehydrogenase E1 from Bacillus subtilis YB1, the proteins were prokaryotically expressed and purified. Assay results showed that the three enzymes were able to degrade nicosulfuron (2- (4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine-2-pyrimidinylcarbamoylaminosulfonyl) -N,N-dimethylnicotinamide), with vegetative catalase 1 exhibiting the highest activity. To further examine the degradation pathway, the degradation products of the three enzymes and the YB1 strain were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS). The nicosulfuron degradation products of the three enzymes were consistent with those of the YB1 strain, indicating the presence of two pathways: one due to cleavage of sulfonylurea bridges and ring-opening of 1-(4,6-dimethoxy-pyrimidin-2-yl)-3-(2-methyliminomethanesulfonyl-acetyl)-ureaas the pyrimidine ring, yielding the product; and the another due to cleavage of a sulfonylurea bridge, yielding 4,6-dihydroxy pyrimidine (111 m/z), 2-ylamine ?4,6-dimethoxy pyrimidine and ((4-(dimethycarbamoyl)pyridine-2-yl)sulfonyl)carbamic acid as products, which were further degraded to 4,6-dihydroxy pyrimidine and N,N-dimethyl-2-sulfamoyl-isonicotinamide. The above results reveal a major contribution of extracellular enzymes to the degradation of nicosulfuron by the YB1 strain. Our data help in elucidation of the mechanism of nicosulfuron bio-degradation and may facilitate the construction of engineered strains.     

Trace level determination of selected sulfonylurea herbicides in wetland sediment by liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

Sulfonylurea herbicides are widely used in crop production on the Canadian prairies and a portion of these herbicides applied to cropland are inevitably lost to surrounding aquatic ecosystems. Little is known regarding the presence of sulfonylurea herbicides in wetlands located amongst cropland. This paper describes a new analytical method for the extraction and the determination of seven sulfonylurea herbicides (thifensulfuron-methyl, tribenuron-methyl, ethametsulfuron-methyl, metsulfuron-methyl, rimsulfuron, nicosulfuron and sulfosulfuron) in wetland sediment. The method provided > 85% analyte recovery from fortified sediment for six of the seven sulfonylurea herbicides with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.0 μ g kg^{? 1}. Tribenuron-methyl had significantly lower recovery compared to the other six sulfonylurea herbicides (LOQ = 2 μ g kg^{? 1}). Mean recovery standard deviations were < 10%. This methodology was used to quantify sulfonylurea herbicide residues in sediment samples collected from prairie wetlands situated within the agricultural landscape of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada. This is the first-known detection of sulfonylurea herbicide residues in prairie wetland sediments. Ethametsulfuron-methyl, sulfosulfuron and metsulfuron-methyl, the three most environmentally persistent of the seven sulfonylurea herbicides monitored in the surveillance component of this study, were most frequently detected in wetland sediment with mean concentrations ranging from 1.2 to 10 μ g kg^{? 1}.     

Bioremediation model for atrazine contaminated agricultural soils using phytoremediation (using Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and a locally adapted microbial consortium

The objective of the present study was to examine a biological model under greenhouse conditions for the bioremediation of atrazine contaminated soils. The model consisted in a combination of phytoremediation (using Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and rhizopheric bio-augmentation using native Trichoderma sp., and Rhizobium sp. microorganisms that showed no inhibitory growth at 10,000 mg L^?1 of herbicide concentration. 33.3 mg of atrazine 50 g^?1 of soil of initial concentration was used and an initial inoculation of 1 × 10⁹ UFC mL^?1 of Rhizobium sp. and 1 × 10⁵ conidia mL^?1 of Trichoderma sp. were set. Four treatments were arranged: Bean + Trichoderma sp. (B+T); Bean + Rhizobium sp. (BR); Bean + Rhizobium sp. + Trichoderma sp. (B+R+T) and Bean (B). 25.51 mg of atrazine 50 g^?1 of soil (76.63%) was removed by the B+T treatment in 40 days (a = 0.050, Tukey). This last indicate that the proposed biological model and methodology developed is useful for atrazine contaminated bioremediation agricultural soils, which can contribute to reduce the effects of agrochemical abuse.     

The hormetic effect of cadmium on the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the earthworm Eisenia fetida

The hormetic dose–response relationships induced by environmental toxic agents are often characterized by low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition. Confirmation of the general phenomenon of hormesis may have significant implications for ecological risk assessment, although the mechanisms that underlie hormesis remain an enigma. In this study, a model-based approach for describing a dose–response relationship incorporating the hormetic effect was applied to the detection and estimation of the hormetic effect of cadmium (Cd) on the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the earthworm Eisenia fetida. The results showed that Cd at low concentrations induced an increase in the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), but high concentrations inhibited the enzymes, and this was reflected in an inverted U-shaped curve. The maximum hormetic magnitude of SOD activity was higher than that of catalase. The presence of hormesis induced by cadmium in the earthworm may be related to activation of adaptive pathways.     

Festuca arundinacea,glutathione S-transferase and herbicide safeners: A preliminary case study to reduce herbicidal pollution

The expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in Festuca arundinacea was investigated in response to the following herbicide safeners: benoxacor, cloquintocet-mexyl, fenchlorazol-ethyl, fenclorim, fluxofenim and oxabetrinil. All the above compounds enhanced the GST activity tested towards the “model” substrate 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). Assays of GST activity towards the herbicides terbuthylazine (N ²-tert-butyl-6-chloro-N ⁴-ethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) and butachlor (N-butoxymethyl-2-chloro-2′,6′-diethylacetanilide) as substrates also showed the ability of the safeners to enhance the enzyme activity towards both these herbicides, with the exception of cloquintocet-mexyl for the enzyme activity towards butachlor. As a consequence of the above effects at a macro-scale level, decreased herbicide accumulation and persistence were ascertained in response to the addition of the safener benoxacor to both terbuthylazine and butachlor treatments. These results are discussed in terms of capacity of benoxacor to induce herbicide detoxification in Festuca arundinacea with a view to utilizing them in reducing herbicide pollution.     

Combined effect of diuron and simazine on photosystem II photochemistry in a sandy soil and soil amended with solid olive-mill waste

Diuron (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)- = 1,1-dimethylurea) and simazine (6-chloro-N ², N ⁴-diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) are soil-applied herbicides used in olive crops. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of these herbicides on Photosystem II photochemistry of Olea europaea L., and whether the amendment of soil with an organic waste (OW) from olive oil production industry modifies this effect. For this purpose, herbicide soil adsorption studies, with unamended and OW-amended soil, and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements in adult olive leaves, after one, two and three weeks of soil herbicide treatment and/or OW amendment, were performed. Soil application of these herbicides reduced the efficiency of Photosystem II photochemistry of olive trees due to chronic photoinhibition, and this effect is counterbalanced by the addition of OW to the soil. OW reduces herbicide uptake by the plant due to an increase in herbicide adsorption.     

Maize,switchgrass, and ponderosa pine biochar added to soil increased herbicide sorption and decreased herbicide efficacy

Biochar, a by-product of pyrolysis made from a wide array of plant biomass when producing biofuels, is a proposed soil amendment to improve soil health. This study measured herbicide sorption and efficacy when soils were treated with low (1% w/w) or high (10% w/w) amounts of biochar manufactured from different feedstocks [maize (Zea mays) stover, switchgrass (Panicum vigatum), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)], and treated with different post-processing techniques. Twenty-four hour batch equilibration measured sorption of ¹⁴C-labelled atrazine or 2,4-D to two soil types with and without biochar amendments. Herbicide efficacy was measured with and without biochar using speed of seed germination tests of sensitive species. Biochar amended soils sorbed more herbicide than untreated soils, with major differences due to biochar application rate but minor differences due to biochar type or post-process handling technique. Biochar presence increased the speed of seed germination compared with herbicide alone addition. These data indicate that biochar addition to soil can increase herbicide sorption and reduce efficacy. Evaluation for site-specific biochar applications may be warranted to obtain maximal benefits without compromising other agronomic practices.     

Mobility and efficacy of 2,4-D herbicide from slow-release delivery systems based on organo-zeolite and organo-bentonite complexes

This research aimed to develop slow-release formulations (SRFs) of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) using zeolite and bentonite minerals modified with cetyltrimethylammonium (CTMA) surfactant. Adsorption–desorption, greenhouse bioassay and column experiments were carried out to assess the potential of the SRFs to control weeds while reducing the herbicide leaching losses to deep layers of soil. The results showed that only 6.5 mmol 2,4-D kg^?1 was retained by Na-bent, and the herbicide was not adsorbed by Na-zeol at all. The surface modification with CTMA surfactant, however, improved the 2,4-D adsorption capacity of the zeolite and bentonite up to 207.5 and 415.8 mmol kg^?1, respectively. The synthesized organo-minerals slowly released the retained 2,4-D discharging 22 to 64% of the adsorbed 2,4-D to the solution phase within 7 days. The SRFs significantly (P = 0.05) reduced the herbicide mobility within the soil columns keeping a great portion of the herbicide active ingredient in the upper 5 cm soil layer. The SRFs were significantly (P = 0.05) as effective as the free technical herbicide in weed control without harming the ryegrass as the main plant. Therefore, the synthesized SRFs could be considered as useful tools for weed control in sustainable agriculture.     

Dissolution behavior of representative elements from red mud (RM) by leaching with titanium white waste acid (TWWA)

Titanium white waste acid (TWWA) was used to dissolve the representative elements from red mud (RM) to achieve the goal of “treating waste with waste.” The leaching parameters on the leaching efficiency of Na, Sc, and Al were investigated, in which the analysis of XRD and SEM–EDS on RM and leaching residue was performed. The leaching kinetics of Na, Sc, and Al was studied with unreacted shrinking core model (USCM). The results show that the dealkalization efficiency was close to 100%, and the leaching efficiency of Sc and Al was 82% and 75%, respectively. Cancrinite was dissolved from RM, and then the elements such as Na, Al, and Ca reacted with H₂SO₄ of TWWA. Na existed in the leaching liquor in the form of ions. Ca reacted with sulfuric acid to form anhydrite, which existed in the leaching residue. The particles of RM became smaller and dispersed with each other by acid leaching. The leaching apparent activation energy of Na, Sc, and Al was 4.947 kJ/mol, 6.361 kJ/mol, and 31.666 kJ/mol, respectively. The leaching kinetic equation of Na, Sc, and Al was 1???(1???a)^2/3?=?0.084·exp[??595.05/T]·t by external diffusion, 1???2a/3???(1???a)^2/3?=?0.021·exp[??765.16/T]·t by internal diffusion, and ln(1???a)/3?+?(1???a)^?2/3 – 1?=?67.12·exp[??3808.8/T]·t by joint action, respectively.

     

Phthalides as promising insecticides against Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

In this study, the insecticide potential of eight phthalides derived from furan-2(5H)-one was evaluated against Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) larvae. The potency of the most active phthalides and the susceptibility of six different T. absoluta populations to these compounds were determined. The toxicity of these molecules to two non-target species (Solenopsis saevissima Smith and Tetragonisca angustula Latreille) was also evaluated. Two phthalides (3 and 4) presented insecticide potential against T. absoluta. Phthalide 4 was as toxic as piperine (positive control) and both phthalides exhibited rapid action (LT₅₀ < 2 hours). The variation in the susceptibility of T. absoluta populations to the phthalides 3 and 4 was low. Neither phthalide presented physiological selectivity for non-target species.

Therefore, the phthalides 3 and 4 are promising molecules, or at least, a starting point for a chemical optimization program leading to formulations for the management of the tomato leafminer. The application of such products should be conducted according to the principles of ecological selectivity.