Screening of fluopyram-based formulation toxicity in non-target organisms

Fluopyram is a fungicide with nematicidal properties widely used in agriculture, found in commercial products for agricultural pest management. Despite its increasing agricultural use, limited information exists on its cytogenotoxic and plant-level impacts. This study evaluated the cytogenotoxic and ecotoxicological effects of a fluopyram-based formulation on non-target organisms, including Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100 strains), Artemia salina, and seeds of Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Allium cepa (onion), and Cucumis sativus (cucumber). Concentrations ranging from 0.017 to 5.00 mg mL^-1 were tested. The pesticide did not induce mutagenic responses in the Salmonella strains tested but demonstrated cytotoxicity at high concentrations (≥1.67 mg mL^-1). In A. salina, increasing mortality was observed from 0.210 mg mL^-1, with an estimated LC₅₀ of 1.021 mg mL^-1. Regarding germination, onion seeds were affected at the highest tested concentration, while root growth in plant species exhibited a hormetic response, with stimulation at low concentrations and inhibition at higher ones. These findings underscore the need for continued environmental monitoring and risk assessment of fluopyram-based formulations, particularly regarding aquatic and plant ecosystems.