EFFECTS OF NORTON® HERBICIDE TOXICITY ON GERMINATION AND GROWTH IN CAPSICUM ANNUUM

Abstract

Of the most used herbicides in Brazil, the formulations combined with 2,4-D and Picloram as active principles raise concerns about the final residue, which can be rivers or soil, negatively impacting human and environmental health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxic effect of the herbicide Norton® with the use of a plant bioindicator organism Capsicum annuum. Pesticide toxicity was evaluated through concentrations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, with exposure of 7 days. The number of germinated seeds and the germination behavior during the bioassay were quantified. To the germinated seeds, the length of the roots was measured. The seeds were transferred to vases containing plant fertilizer, and monitors for 4 months. There were toxic effects on germination and root growth. Seeds exposed to low concentrations showed a large number of germinations, however, with a reduction in root length. Plants exposed to the herbicide died, especially those subjected to higher concentrations. In plants exposed to minimal concentrations of the herbicide, there were changes in leaf morphology and plant growth. Therefore, it was evident that pesticide dilution, even at low concentrations, causes long-term toxicity and death of individuals. Las plantas expuestas al herbicida murieron, especialmente aquellas sujetas a concentraciones más altas. En las plantas expuestas a concentraciones mínimas del herbicida, hubo cambios en la morfología de las hojas y el crecimiento de las plantas.