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Study of possible teratogenic effects of the fungicide maneb on chick embryos
1Department of Toxicology, BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, Federal Republic of Germany.
Abstract:
The teratogenicity of the fungicide maneb (80% active ingredient and 20% inert ingredients) in chick embryos was evaluated. Eggs, before incubation, were dipped in 0.2% or 1.2% aqueous dispersions of maneb for 30 seconds. An untreated group, a water group and a formulation ingredient group, at the concentration present in the 1.2% maneb group, ensured control in the study. Eggs were incubated for 18 days then transferred to hatching racks and allowed to hatch normally. Viable chicks and chicks "dead in shell" were assessed for external deformities. There was no evidence that maneb or its formulation ingredients were teratogenic or embryotoxic to developing chick embryos.
Insights
Maneb fungicide did not cause birth defects or embryo death in chick embryos. This study found no teratogenic or embryotoxic effects from maneb or its formulation ingredients in avian development.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Fungicides like maneb are widely used in agriculture.
- Assessing the safety of pesticides for non-target organisms is crucial.
- Chick embryos are a common model for evaluating teratogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential teratogenic and embryotoxic effects of the fungicide maneb.
- To evaluate the safety of maneb and its formulation ingredients on avian embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Fertile chicken eggs were exposed to aqueous dispersions of maneb (0.2% and 1.2%) via a 30-second dip prior to incubation.
- Control groups included untreated eggs, water-treated eggs, and eggs treated with formulation ingredients.
- Eggs were incubated for 18 days, and resulting viable chicks and "dead in shell" embryos were examined for external deformities.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant evidence of teratogenicity was observed in chick embryos exposed to maneb.
- The formulation ingredients of maneb did not demonstrate teratogenic or embryotoxic effects.
- Maneb exposure did not lead to an increase in embryo mortality or external deformities.
Conclusions:
- Maneb, at the tested concentrations and exposure methods, is not teratogenic or embryotoxic to developing chick embryos.
- The inert ingredients within the maneb formulation also showed no adverse developmental effects.
- These findings suggest a low risk of developmental toxicity from maneb in avian species under the studied conditions.