The Impact of Pesticide Use on Tree Health in Riparian Buffer Zone

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Plant Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Pesticide use in agriculture leads to soil and water contamination.
• Riparian buffer zones are crucial for preventing water contamination.
• Chlorpyrifos (CPS) is a widely used insecticide with potential environmental impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of Chlorpyrifos (CPS) on plants used in riparian buffer zones.
• To determine the translocation of CPS within plants after foliar spray and root irrigation.
• To assess the impact of CPS on plant physiological responses, including antioxidant enzyme activity and phenolic compound levels.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory experiments using in vitro cultivated poplar, hybrid aspen, and alder.
• Foliage spray and root irrigation with pure CPS and a commercial formulation (Oleoekol®).
• Analysis of CPS translocation from roots to shoots and leaves to roots.
• Measurement of antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase) and total phenolic content.

Main Results:

• CPS was found to translocate both upwards from roots to shoots and downwards from leaves to roots.
• The commercial formulation (Oleoekol®) resulted in higher CPS accumulation in roots compared to pure CPS.
• Treated plants exhibited a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and phenolic substances, despite no observable growth inhibition.
• CPS, particularly as a foliar spray, can lead to persistent residues affecting buffer zone plants.

Conclusions:

• Chlorpyrifos (CPS) exhibits unexpected systemic movement within plants, impacting riparian buffer species.
• The use of CPS, especially in foliar applications, poses a risk of contamination to non-target vegetation.
• Increased antioxidant and phenolic responses suggest plant stress due to CPS exposure, highlighting potential ecological consequences.