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Measuring variability in phytotoxicity testing using crop and wild plant species
Céline Boutin1, Andrea L White2, David Carpenter1
1Science and Technology, Environment Canada, 1125 Colonel By Drive (Raven Road), Carleton University Campus, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3, Canada.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
|September 8, 2010
Summary
Plant sensitivity to herbicides like glyphosate and atrazine varies significantly due to ecotype and season. This variability necessitates an uncertainty factor in risk assessments for accurate herbicide evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Plant Science
Background:
- Phytotoxicity testing exhibits variability and inconsistencies.
- Understanding factors influencing plant response to herbicides is crucial for accurate risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess variability in phytotoxicity testing.
- To investigate factors contributing to uncertainties in herbicide response.
- To determine the impact of ecotype and seasonal variations on plant sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Conducted greenhouse/growth chamber experiments with 4,500+ plants.
- Tested eight wild plant species' ecotypes and three crops/four wild species across seasons.
- Applied formulated glyphosate and atrazine at 6-10 doses with 5-6 replicates.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in herbicide sensitivity were observed among ecotypes of most species.
- Seasonal variability caused pronounced discrepancies in plant responses.
- No consistent effects of biotic/abiotic factors or seed/growth differences on herbicide sensitivity were found.
Conclusions:
- Plant response to herbicides is intrinsically variable due to ecotype and seasonal factors.
- Current risk assessment models may need refinement to account for this variability.
- An uncertainty factor is recommended for more robust herbicide risk assessments.
