Cytogenetic effects of commercially formulated atrazine on the somatic cells of Allium cepa and Vicia faba

In the present study cytogenetic effects of atrazine herbicide, were examined on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa and Vicia faba. Test concentrations were chosen by calculating EC₅₀ values of formulated atrazine against both the test systems which determined to be 30 mg l⁻¹ for A. cepa and 35 mg l⁻¹ for V. faba, respectively. For cytogenetic effects root meristem cells of A. cepa were exposed to 15, 30 or 60 mg l⁻¹ whereas V. faba to 17.5, 35 or 70 mg l⁻¹ for 4 or 24 h. Roots exposed for 4 or 24 h, after sampling, were left in water for 24 h recovery and sampled at 24 h post-exposure. A set of onion bulbs or seedlings of V. faba exposed to DMSO (0.3%) was run parallel for negative control. Treatment of atrazine significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the mitotic index (MI) and induced micronucleus formation (MN) chromosome aberrations (CA) and mitotic aberrations (MA) in both the test systems at 4 or 24 h. Root meristem cells examined at 24 h post-exposure also revealed significant (p < 0.001) frequencies of MN, CA or MA despite considerable decline. Chromosome breaks and fragments were found to be major CA whereas C-metaphase, chromosome bridges and laggards were prevalent MA. Results of our study, indicate that atrazine may produce genotoxic effects in plants. Further, both the plant bioassays found to be sensitive indicators for the genotoxicity assessment as the outcome of majority of in vivo/in vitro mammalian tests are comparable.     

Genotoxicity effects of Flusilazole on the somatic cells of Allium cepa

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the fungicide flusilazole on somatic cells of Allium cepa. For evaluation of cytogenetic effects, root meristem cells of A. cepa were treated with 10, 20, 30 and 45 ppm (EC₅₀ concentration) for 24, 48 and 72 h. The mitotic index and different types of chromosomal abnormalities such as bridges, stickiness and laggards were determined in both control and test groups. Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide double staining and fluorescence microscope was used to determine the stability of chromosome structure. Data obtained from staining process indicated that ratio of necrotic cells significantly increased by the flusilazole presoaking. The RAPD-PCR method was used and the higher doses treated-group (45 ppm) was more distant to the control group compare with others.     

Mutagenic and genotoxic effects of the Atrazine herbicide in Oreochromis niloticus (Perciformes, Cichlidae) detected by the micronuclei test and the comet assay

Atrazine is the triazinic herbicide most found in the rural aquatic environments due to its extensive use and its stability in such places. The mutagenicity and the genotoxicity of different concentrations of the Atrazine herbicide were determinated by the micronucleus test and the comet assay, using Oreochromis niloticus as test-system. The tested concentrations of Atrazine herbicide were 6.25, 12.5 and 25 μg/L, both for the micronuclei test and for the comet assay. The results showed a significant rate of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities for all the tested concentrations of Atrazine herbicide. For the comet assay, we also observed results significantly different from the control in 6.25, 12.5 and 25 μg/L concentrations. Due to these results, we could infer that such herbicide may be dangerous to the lives of those organisms exposed to it.     

Biological and biochemical parameters of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails exposed to the plants Datura stramonium and Sesbania sesban as water suspensions of their dry powder

Four plant species, as a dry powder of their leaves, were tested against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. The bioassay tests revealed the plants Datura stramonium and Sesbania sesban to be more toxic to the snails than the other two ones. Therefore, they were tested against snails’ fecundity (M_x), reproduction rate (R_o) and their infection with S. mansoni miracidia. In addition, total protein concentration and the activities of the transaminases (AsT and AlT) and phosphatases (AcP and AkP) enzymes in hemolymph and tissues of snails treated with these plants were determined. As well, glucose concentration in snails’ hemolymph was evaluated.Exposure of snails for 4 weeks to LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ of the plants D. stramonium and S. sesban dry powder markly suppressed their M_x and R_o. The reduction rates of R_o for snails exposed to LC₂₅ of these plants were 62.1% and 76.4%, respectively. As well, a considerable reduction in the infection rates of snails exposed to these plants either during, pre- or post-miracidial exposure was recorded. Thus, infection rates of snails treated during miracidial exposure with LC₁₀ of D. stramonium and S. sesban were 41.7% and 52.2%, respectively, compared to 92.6% for control group (P < 0.01). These plants, also, reduced the duration of cercarial shedding and cercarial production/snail. So, snails exposed to LC₂₅ of these plants shed 372.8 and 223.2 cercariae/snail, respectively, compared to 766.3 cercariae/infected control snail (P < 0.01).The results, also, revealed that glucose and total protein concentrations in hemolymph of snails treated with LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ of these plants were decreased, meanwhile, the activities of the enzymes AsT, AlT, AcP and AkP were elevated (P < 0.01). However, the activity of AcP in tissues of treated snails was decreased compared to that of control ones. It is concluded that LC₂₅ of the plants D. stramonium and S. sesban negatively interferes with biological and physiological activities of B. alexandrina snails, consequently it could be effective in interrupting and minimizing the transmission of S. mansoni.     

ywbB基因对枯草芽胞杆菌NCD-2菌株生物膜形成和根际定殖能力的影响

为明确枯草芽胞杆菌Bacillus subtilis NCD-2菌株生物膜形成相关基因及其在生物膜形成、根际定殖中的作用,采用转座子插入技术,从4000余株NCD-2突变子中获得6株生物膜形成能力降低的突变子。在生物膜形成能力丧失的突变子M3中,转座子以单拷贝的形式插入到ywbB基因内部。通过基因同源重组技术对ywbB基因进行缺失突变,获得ywbB基因缺失突变菌株NCD-2(ΔywbB),与野生菌株相比,突变子丧失了生物膜形成能力。进一步比较发现,突变菌株NCD-2(ΔywbB)显著降低了在棉花根际的群体数量,同时也降低了对棉花立枯病的防治效果。研究证明,ywbB是NCD-2菌株生物膜形成途径中的重要基因,且生物膜形成与NCD-2菌株根际定殖和生防效果呈正相关。     

麦田抗性生物型猪殃殃对苯磺隆的抗性机制

为探讨猪殃殃Galium aparine抗药性生物型(R)对苯磺隆的抗性机制,测定了苯磺隆对猪殃殃抗性、敏感(S)生物型体内靶标酶 、代谢酶 及抗氧化酶 影响的差异。离体试验结果表明,苯磺隆对R、S生物型猪殃殃ALS的抑制中量(IC50)分别为0.682、0.718 μg/L(有效剂量),R、S生物型猪殃殃ALS对苯磺隆的敏感性不存在差异。活体试验结果表明,苯磺隆茎叶喷雾处理后,R、S生物型ALS活力均表现为先上升,但S生物型上升幅度小,且随后快速下降,第3 d即回落至对照之下,并维持在低于对照的水平,而R生物型ALS活力在第2 d可达对照的4.10倍,第5 d 基本回落至对照水平,之后基本维持在对照水平;R生物型GSTs活力在第1 d即开始上升,最高可达对照的 2.40 倍,而S生物型则表现为先下降,然后小幅回升,最高为对照的1.61倍,两者在10 d左右均回落至对照水平;R生物型SOD活力与对照基本相同,而S生物型虽略有下降,但R、S间不存在显著差异;两者POD活力虽均有大幅提高,但亦不存在显著差异。结果表明,低水平抗药性生物型猪殃殃对苯磺隆产生抗性的原因可能是ALS过量表达及GSTs对苯磺隆的代谢作用加强,而不是由于ALS的敏感性下降,同时POD、SOD在减轻药害中也具有一定作用。     

Biochemical and histological hepatic changes of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus exposed to carbaryl

The purpose of this study was to evaluate biochemical and morphological responses induced by carbaryl in the liver of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed during 21 days to sublethal concentrations (0.25 and 0.5 mg L⁻¹), testing also recover for 14 days in clean water, after 14 days exposure. The activities of the following enzymes were measured: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), and reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Globally, our data showed that exposure to carbaryl decreased the SOD, CAT, GR, and GST activities, except for the SOD and GST activities after 14 days exposure to 0.25 mg L⁻¹. In contrast, after 14 days exposure the GR activity of the hepatic tissue from carbaryl-treated fish showed significant elevation in relation to the control. When fish were left to recover, a positive response was seen in the GSH and GSSG contents. The results of the recovery group suggest that the toxicity produced by carbaryl is reversible to some extent within 15 days. The liver histological analysis showed differences between fish concerning the cellular vacuolization degree (VD) of the hepatocytes. In fish exposed to carbaryl it was observed an increasing hepatocellular basophilia. No other histological alterations were observed when fish was exposed to carbaryl, except a few necrotic foci at day 7. The sections stained with PAS reaction showed that the vacuolization was always not due to glycogen deposits, thus suggesting lipid accumulation. The combined increased basophilia and glycogen depletion is a common, although non-specific, liver response to many toxicants. In short, this work shows a relation between histological and biochemical changes in liver and carbaryl exposure. The effects of carbaryl were observed at different concentrations.     

Histochemical analysis of Bacillus thuringiensis CrylA toxin binding to midgut epithelial cells of Bombyx mori

We analyzed the binding of the Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal toxins, CrylAa, CrylAb and CrylAc, to midgut tissue of the silkworm, Bombyx mori with ligand blot analysis and histochemical observations. CrylAa, CrylAb and CrylAc bound to unique sets of proteins in various subcellular fractions prepared by centrifugation. CrylAa bound to various proteins in all subcellular fractions, whereas CrylAb bound to a single protein of ∼180 kDa in all fractions as shown by Western blot analysis. Cry1Ac bound to proteins which were primarily ∼100-120 kDa in all fractions. CrylA toxins were labeled with fluorescent dye and Cy3-labeled CrylAa, CrylAb and CrylAc were shown to localize primarily to the apical membrane region. However, they also localized to basement or basolateral membranes. The distribution of a 252-kDa membrane protein (P252) of the B. mori midgut, which was recently identified as a plausible candidate for receptor of CrylA toxins were also examined with histochemical methods. Substantial signals of FITC-labeled antibody against P252, even though not all, were evident in the apical cells, and these were coincident with Cy3-CrylAa and Cy3-CrylAc signals.     

pseP基因对蜡样芽胞杆菌0-9菌株生物薄膜形成和防治小麦纹枯病的影响

为了阐明芽胞杆菌0-9菌株的生防机制,通过敲除0-9菌株的多糖外运蛋白编码基因pseP构建基因敲除菌株0-9（ΔpseP）和基因敲除菌株的互补菌株0-9（ΔpseP∷pseP）,并比较野生型0-9菌株及其衍生菌株形成生物薄膜的能力及其对小麦纹枯病的生防效果。结果显示,pseP基因敲除后,菌株生物薄膜形成能力和对小麦纹枯病的生防作用降低,生防效果较野生型0-9菌株降低43.6%。基因互补后,互补菌株生物薄膜的形成能力和对小麦纹枯病的生防作用得到恢复,生防效果较敲除菌株提高29.2%。研究表明蜡样芽胞杆菌0-9菌株的pseP基因参与了生防菌株0-9生物薄膜的形成和对小麦纹枯病的生物防治。     

Inhibition of Na-K-ATPase in different tissues of freshwater fish Channa punctatus (Bloch) exposed to monocrotophos

Freshwater fish, Channa punctatus, commonly known as the snakehead fish, was exposed to two sublethal concentrations (0.96 and 1.86 mg/L) (selected on the basis of 1/20 and 1/10 of 96 h LC₅₀ value) of monocrotophos for two exposure periods (15 and 60 days). Effects of monocrotophos on Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in liver, kidney, muscle, intestine, brain, heart and gills were determined. Results indicate that Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity in tissues decreased as concentration of monocrotophos and exposure period increased. Monocrotophos induced significant inhibitory effects on the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity of C. punctatus, ranging from gills (70%) > Kidney (63%) > brain (57%) > intestine (52%) > liver (50%) > muscle (47%) > heart (44%) inhibition at a sublethal concentration of 0.96 mg/L. Significant inhibition was detected in Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity, ranging from gills (90%) > heart (78%) > kidney (78%) > muscle (74%) > intestine (71%) > brain (67%) > liver (63%) at sublethal concentration of 1.86 mg/L. After subacute exposure (15 days) only gills and brain showed significant inhibition after higher concentration (1.86 mg/L). However, it is evident that exposure duration is more important than dose in the inhibition of the activity of enzyme. At lower concentration initial stimulation of the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity was also noticed. It is suggested that the inhibition of the ATPase by monocrotophos blocked the active transport system of the gill epithelial as well as chloride cells, glomerular and epithelial cells of the tubules and thus altered the osmoregulatory mechanism of the fish. In fact, the impairment of the activity of enzymes which carry out key physiological roles could cause alterations of the physiology of the whole organism.     

三唑磷与氟虫腈复配对粘虫的增效机理研究

以粘虫Mythimna separate 4龄幼虫为试虫,从表皮穿透、生物转化、作用靶标3个方面研究了三唑磷·氟虫腈复配剂的增效机理。结果表明,三唑磷与氟虫腈复配后,相互促进了对方对粘虫表皮的穿透作用;三唑磷对酸性磷酸酯酶(ACPase)的竞争性抑制与氟虫腈对ACPase的非竞争性抑制与反竞争性抑制的混合型抑制相结合,使复配剂对ACPase的抑制能力大幅度提高;对谷胱甘肽S-转移酶(GSTs)的联合抑制系数(JIC)达到425.87,表现出显著的增效作用;三唑磷和氟虫腈对乙酰胆碱酯酶(AChE)只有微弱的交互作用。表皮穿透率的提高及其对ACPase和GSTs抑制能力的增强可能是该复配剂对粘虫增效的重要机理。     

三种生防芽孢杆菌对5种烟田常用化合物的敏感性

芽孢杆菌是植物病害生物防治中重要的生防细菌。采用浊度测定法研究了生防细菌——枯草芽孢杆菌、解淀粉芽孢杆菌及多粘芽孢杆菌对烤烟专用复合肥[m(N)∶m(P2O5)∶m(K2O)=10∶10∶25]、生石灰、甲霜灵、代森锰锌及硫酸链霉素5种烟草生产上常用化学品的敏感性。结果表明:甲霜灵对3种芽孢杆菌的生长无影响,而烤烟专用复合肥和生石灰对3种生防细菌均有一定的促生长作用;而代森锰锌和硫酸链霉素能显著抑制枯草芽孢杆菌、解淀粉芽孢杆菌和多粘芽孢杆菌的生长,其EC50值分别为14.15、11.88、11.30μg/mL和5.20、5.69和2.64μg/mL。     

浙江省柑橘绿霉病菌对嘧菌酯的敏感性研究

采用孢子萌发法和生长速率法测定了2000~2006年间采自浙江衢州、杭州、金华、丽水的65个柑橘绿霉病病菌Penicillium digitatum菌株对嘧菌酯的敏感性。结果表明:嘧菌酯对供试菌株 孢子萌发和菌丝生长的EC50值均呈单峰分布,分别介于0.020 1 ~0.260 0 μg/mL和0.005 3 ~0.079 4 μg/mL 之间,平均值分别为0.042 6 μg/mL 和0.025 0 μg/mL。敏感性频次分析结果表明,该65个菌株孢子萌发和菌丝生长对嘧菌酯的敏感性频率分布均符合正态分布,其EC50平均值0.042 6±0.030 4 μg/mL 和0.025 0±0.012 9 μg/mL可分别作为柑橘绿霉病菌孢子萌发和菌丝生长对嘧菌酯的敏感基线。     

Oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion of the freshwater crab Trichodactylus borellianus exposed to chlorpyrifos and endosulfan insecticides

The effects of lethal and sublethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos and endosulfan on oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion rate of the crab Trichodactylus borellianus were evaluated. Oxygen consumption and energy expenditure had significant effect in relation to exposure times. Regarding endosulfan, a significant difference in consumption among times of exposure was registered in 625 μg L⁻¹. Moreover, at the highest concentration, energy expenditure rate was observed stabilized during 1-3 h. A significant increase in ammonia excretion was evidenced in 150 and 300 μg L⁻¹ of chlorpyrifos. The O:N ratio showed a decrease in chlorpyrifos and in 2500 μg L⁻¹ of endosulfan. This indicated a shift towards protein primary metabolism. An increment in the O:N ratio was observed in the lower endosulfan solutions. The relation oxygen:nitrogen showed a shift towards lipid and carbohydrate primary metabolism. This work indicated the complexity of the metabolism in the freshwater crab affected by xenobiotic elements.     

水稻主要抗瘟基因品系对江西省稻瘟病菌分离株系的抗性分析

为明确30个水稻抗瘟基因品系在江西水稻育种中的应用价值,利用2006—2012年分离自江西主要稻区的381个稻瘟病菌株,在抗瘟基因品系苗期喷雾接种,通过供试品系对稻瘟病菌的抗感反应来明确其抗病性。Pi-z^t、Pi-k、Pi-1（1）、Pi-z⁵、Pi-k（C）、Pi-k^p和Pi-9（t）7个水稻抗瘟基因对江西省稻瘟病菌群体表现出较高的抗性频率,其值分别为85.11%、82.95%、71.12%、68.69%、63.53%、62.61%和61.09%,且这7个抗瘟基因对ZG1、ZC15和ZB31小种的稻瘟病菌株的抗性频率均比其它小种菌株高。将抗瘟品系与稻瘟病菌接种反应结果转化为“0-1”模式进行聚类分析,7个抗性频率较高的抗瘟基因被划分为Pi-z^t、Pi-z⁵、Pi-9（t）和Pi-k、Pi-1（1）、Pi-k（C）、Pi-k^p两组不同的抗病类型品系。     

Prevention of progeny formation in Drosophila melanogaster by 1-arylimidazole-2(3H)-thiones

Effects of 1-arylimidazole-2(3H)-thiones (AITs) and 1-(substituted benzyl)imidazole-2(3H)-thiones (BITs) were tested on progeny formation in Drosophila melanogaster. Some AITs showed inhibitory activities at laying eggs and delayed eclosion by 1 day. The inhibitory activity was nullified by adding octopamine (OA) or noradrenaline (NA) to the medium for progeny formation in D. melanogaster. The effect of AIT on the contents of OA and NA was analyzed in adults of D. melanogaster by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Flies fed with AIT decreased OA and NA levels and increased TA content. Taken together, the inhibitory activity of AIT could be due to inhibition of tyramine β-hydroxylase and dopamine β-hydroxylase.     

The role of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in the different responses to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl in annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) and short awned foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis Sobol.)

Herbicide resistance or tolerance in weeds mediated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenase is a considerable problem. However, cytochrome P450 mediated resistance or tolerance in weeds was less studied. Thus, in this work, the role of the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in the different responses of Poa annua and Alopecurus aequalis to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl was studied. We found that the effect of fenoxaprop-P-ethyl could be synergized by piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in P. annua, but not by malathion. After being treated with fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (containing mefenpyr-diethyl), the contents of cytochrome P450 and cytochrome b₅ in P. annua increased significantly compared to plants treated with mefenpyr-diethyl only or untreated plants. However, the increase was less in A. aequalis, which was susceptible to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. The activities of ρ-nitroanisole O-demethylase (PNOD), ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), ethoxycoumarin oxidase (ECOD) and NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductase mediated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenase increased in P. annua after treatment with fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, especially the activities of ECOD and cytochrome P450 reductase. Besides this, cytochrome P450 monooxygenase activity toward fenoxaprop-P-ethyl in P. annua increased significantly compared to untreated or treated with mefenpyr-diethyl plants and treated or untreated A. aequalis. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase may play an important role in the different responses to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl in P. annua and A. aequalis.     

Possible involvement of herbicide sequestration in the resistance to diclofop-methyl in Italian biotypes of Lolium spp.

The mechanism of resistance to diclofop-methyl in three Italian populations of Lolium spp. (two resistant and one susceptible) was investigated. The major proportion of R-1 (Tuscania 1997) and R-2 (Roma 1994) plants (approximately 80%) survived after herbicide treatment by emitting new tillers from the crown. Both resistant (R-1 and R-2) and susceptible (Vetralla 1994) Lolium spp. populations were target-site sensitive. No difference in diclofop-methyl absorption by shoots of resistant and susceptible biotypes was observed. At the dose corresponding to 1× the recommended field rate, a relatively higher metabolism was found in R-2 biotype. In contrast, at the doses 2× and 10× the field rate no difference in herbicide metabolism between susceptible and resistant biotypes was observed. At all the three herbicide doses (1×, 2×, and 10× the field rate) 48 h after the treatment (HAT), the total amount of metabolites produced by wheat was more than three times higher than that produced by resistant and susceptible ryegrass biotypes. At the doses 1× and 2× the field rate, the herbicide translocation was different in the susceptible biotypes compared to resistant biotypes. The total amount of the radiolabel found 48 HAT in culm and root was approximately twice in susceptible biotype than in resistant biotypes. Susceptible and resistant ryegrass biotypes differed in the capability of their roots to acidify the external medium. Susceptible biotype acidified the external solution at approximately 6 times the rates of the resistant biotypes. In the present study, the mechanism responsible for resistance in the investigated resistant biotypes was not univocally identified. Indirect evidence supports the possible involvement of herbicide sequestration or immobilization.     

Mechanism of resistance to spinosyn in the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens

Topical laboratory selection of tobacco budworm larvae, Heliothis virescens, with technical spinosad for multiple generations resulted in larvae 1068-fold resistant to topical applications of the insecticide and 316.6-fold resistant to insecticide treated diet as compared to the parental strain. The penetration of 2′-O-methyl[¹⁴C]spinosyn A across the cuticle of the susceptible (parental) and selected (resistant) tobacco budworms increased with time 3-12 h after application. A trend of reduced penetration in the resistant strain was found but the differences were not statistically significant. 2′-O-methyl[¹⁴C]spinosyn A when injected into the hemocoel was not metabolized 96 h after treatment in both the susceptible and resistant strain, suggesting that a change in metabolism was not the mechanism of resistance. Electrophysiological studies indicated that dose-dependent spinosyn A-induced currents occurred in neurons from spinosyn resistant and susceptible (adult) tobacco budworms. At both 10 and 100 nM spinosyn A, however, the amplitude of these currents in the resistant insects was significantly smaller than the amplitude of currents observed from neurons from susceptible tobacco budworm adults. This suggests that neurons from resistant insects have decreased sensitivity to spinosyn A. However, the reduced inward currents in the resistant strain may or may not be related to the mode of action of the spinosyns. No statistically significant cross-resistance was noted for the spinosad resistant tobacco budworms for topical applications of permethrin (Pounce^®), profenofos (Curacron^®), emamectin benzoate (Denim^®), or indoxacarb (Steward^®). A statistically significant reduction in susceptibility to acetamiprid (Mospilan^®) in artificial diet as determined from a resistance ratio of 0.482 was found.