PJB-2024-389
PHYTO AND CYTOXICITY OF A NICOSULFURON-BASED HERBICIDE IN THE CROP PLANT ZEA MAYS L. AND THE PLANT MODEL LACTUCA SATIVA L.
Quênia Mara Silva
Abstract
Corn is the second most cultivated crop in Brazil’s farmland and nicosulfuron is widely applied in maize fields to control post-emergent weeds. Traces of nicosulfuron can be found in soil and superficial water highlighting the herbicide potential toxicity is of great environmental concern. In this regard, the present work aimed to evaluate the effects of a nicosulfuron based-herbicide through bioassays with the plant model Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) and the crop plant Zea mays L (maize). The herbicidal test solutions were prepared from commercial products containing the active ingredient nicosulfuron at the following concentrations: 0.3; 0.6; 1.3; 2.3; 5.0; 10.0; 15.0; 20.0; 25.0 e 30.0 mg L-1. Distilled water was used as a negative control, and an aluminum solution was used as a positive control. Macroscopic analyses (root germination and seedling growth) were performed for both models, and microscopic analysis (cell cycle) were performed only for L. sativa. The negative interference of the nicosulfuron-based herbicide on lettuce was observed for all macroscopic parameters analyzed. For the microscopic ones the frequency of chromosome alterations and condensed nuclei were not significant but the frequency of micronuclei was significantly increased. In maize, there was a significant decrease in germination and germination speed starting from the 15 mg L-1. treatment. Root and shoot growth were reduced even at the dosage of use recommended for field application by the herbicide manufacturer, 5 mg L-1. The data demonstrate that the herbicide based on nicosulfuron is potentially hazardous.
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