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Keywords = low dose of herbicide

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20 pages, 1524 KB  
Article
Comparing the Effects of Glyphosate and Mycotoxins in the Human Follicular Microenvironment: An Exploratory Exposome Study
by Apolka Szentirmay, Márkó Unicsovics, Eszter Ruff, Bernadett Csókay, Katalin Sára-Popovics, Dóra Holéci, Tímea Buzder, Miklós Sipos, Attila Martonos, Attila Sajgó, Natália Szeőcs, György Nagyéri, Levente Sára and Zsuzsanna Szőke
Biomedicines 2026, 14(5), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14051081 - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 916
Abstract
Background: Exposure to anthropogenic and/or natural (e.g., herbicides or mycotoxins) endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been linked to several reproductive disorders. Glyphosate (GLY), a common agricultural agent, is a potential element of the exposome that bioaccumulates and has potential endocrine and oxidative stress-related [...] Read more.
Background: Exposure to anthropogenic and/or natural (e.g., herbicides or mycotoxins) endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been linked to several reproductive disorders. Glyphosate (GLY), a common agricultural agent, is a potential element of the exposome that bioaccumulates and has potential endocrine and oxidative stress-related effects. However, data on its presence in the human ovarian microenvironment remain limited. Our study examined GLY levels in follicular fluid (ff) and serum and their relationships with oxidative stress markers, reproductive hormones, and stress hormones in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: 50 women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation participated. Serum and ff samples were routinely collected during oocyte retrieval. GLY, related hormones (e.g., cortisol, estradiol-E2, anti-Müllerian hormone-AMH, and melatonin-MT), an oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzyme activities, total antioxidant capacity, and co-occurring natural pollutant mycotoxin levels were measured. Relationships between GLY levels and these mediators were assessed using correlation and regression analyses. Results: GLY was detected in both serum and ff at similar concentrations (0.038 ± 0.006 ng/mL vs. 0.045 ± 0.006 ng/mL; p = 0.414). Follicular GLY levels showed a positive association with MDA (Spearman’s r = 0.4487, p < 0.001), explaining 28.6% of the variability in follicular MDA. Serum GLY was positively associated with serum (β = 40.26, p = 0.0058) and follicular E2 (r = 0.29, p = 0.042). Serum GLY levels were negatively correlated with cortisol (β = −0.0188, p = 0.020). A slight correlation between follicular GLY and MT was observed (p = 0.03). No associations were found between GLY levels and age, body mass index, AMH, the recombinant gonadotropin dose used, antioxidant enzyme activities, follicle count, oocyte yield, or embryo viability. Conclusions: This study might be the first to demonstrate the presence of GLY of exposome in human ff, indicating that environmental exposure to GLY may reach the oocyte microenvironment. The correlation with lipid peroxidation suggests GLY could contribute to follicular oxidative stress. The associations with E2 and cortisol point to potential endocrine-disrupting effects. While no direct impact on IVF outcomes was observed, findings suggest low-level exposure to GLY could influence ovarian physiology through specific biochemical mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Drug Discovery, Development and Delivery)
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25 pages, 14204 KB  
Article
Dose-Dependent Intestinal Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Responses to Acute Waterborne Glyphosate Exposure in the Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus)
by Jingchun Sun, Libing Zhang, Christopher D. Hepburn, Shaoping Kuang and Hongsheng Yang
Biology 2026, 15(9), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15090694 - 28 Apr 2026
Viewed by 441
Abstract
Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides worldwide and has been increasingly reported in aquatic environments, including riverine, estuarine, and coastal systems. However, information on its intestinal effects in benthic marine invertebrates remains limited. In this study, we investigated dose-dependent intestinal [...] Read more.
Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides worldwide and has been increasingly reported in aquatic environments, including riverine, estuarine, and coastal systems. However, information on its intestinal effects in benthic marine invertebrates remains limited. In this study, we investigated dose-dependent intestinal responses of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus following acute waterborne glyphosate exposure using integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Sea cucumbers were exposed for 24 h to four nominal glyphosate concentrations: 0, 9.23, 46.15, and 230.77 mg/L. Mortality occurred only in the highest-concentration group, allowing phenotypic stratification of this group into high-dose survivors (HL) and high-dose dead individuals (HD) for downstream multi-omics comparisons. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis indicated clear exposure- and phenotype-associated shifts in intestinal molecular profiles. Differential expression analysis and pathway enrichment showed that low-dose exposure was mainly associated with metabolic and digestion-related adjustments, whereas higher exposure levels were characterized by broader perturbation of immune regulation, stress-response signaling, proteostasis-related processes, and cell fate-associated pathways. Metabolomic profiling further revealed progressive remodeling of lipid, amino acid, energy, redox, and transport-related pathways, with the most extensive alterations observed in HD. Integrated transcriptome–metabolome analysis supported increasingly structured cross-omics covariation with rising exposure severity, highlighting coordinated intestinal system disruption under high-dose glyphosate stress. Overall, these findings demonstrate that acute waterborne glyphosate exposure induces dose-dependent intestinal molecular reprogramming in A. japonicus, with marked divergence between surviving and dead individuals at the highest exposure level. This study provides mechanistic evidence for early intestinal responses to glyphosate in a representative marine deposit-feeding invertebrate and offers a basis for future studies linking controlled exposure experiments with environmentally relevant marine risk scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Toxicology)
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23 pages, 4158 KB  
Article
A Sea Mud Feed Matrix Shapes Short-Term Dietborne Glyphosate Exposure in the Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus): Tissue Residues, Buffered Enzyme Responses, and Dominance-Structured Gut Microbiota Shifts
by Jingchun Sun, Libin Zhang, Christopher D. Hepburn, Shaoping Kuang and Hongsheng Yang
Animals 2026, 16(9), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16091344 - 28 Apr 2026
Viewed by 440
Abstract
Deposit-feeding sea cucumbers ingest sediment-like particles, making substrate-associated exposure pathways ecologically relevant in coastal aquaculture. In this study, a sea mud feed matrix was used to evaluate short-term dietborne/substrate-linked glyphosate exposure in Apostichopus japonicus over 72 h, with the aim of characterizing early [...] Read more.
Deposit-feeding sea cucumbers ingest sediment-like particles, making substrate-associated exposure pathways ecologically relevant in coastal aquaculture. In this study, a sea mud feed matrix was used to evaluate short-term dietborne/substrate-linked glyphosate exposure in Apostichopus japonicus over 72 h, with the aim of characterizing early residue formation, short-term sublethal biomarker responses, and gut microbiota shifts under a benthic feeding scenario. Analytical verification confirmed a clear glyphosate gradient in the prepared feed matrices, with no glyphosate detected in the control matrix and measured concentrations of 8.66 ± 1.59 mg/kg, 1330 ± 390 mg/kg, and 6960 ± 1710 mg/kg in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, respectively. No mortality or obvious external lesions were observed during the exposure period. Tissue analysis confirmed measurable internal glyphosate residues and compartment-specific distribution, indicating successful internal exposure under the matrix-linked route. Most digestive and immune/antioxidant biomarkers remained relatively stable within the 72 h window; however, amylase showed a marked response in the low-dose group, and superoxide dismutase showed dose-associated changes in the medium- and high-dose groups, indicating selective sensitivity among enzyme endpoints. Gut microbiota analysis revealed a dominance-structured community with limited alpha-diversity variation among groups, whereas community composition showed subtle treatment-related shifts that were more evident at finer taxonomic resolution. Predicted functional profiles remained broadly similar across treatments. Overall, the 72 h exposure design was effective for identifying early internal exposure and short-term biological responses under a sea mud-associated feeding route, while host physiological responses remained largely buffered over this time scale and the gut microbiota provided a more sensitive interface-level signal of exposure-associated change. These findings support the value of a route-specific, gut-centered framework for evaluating early herbicide exposure responses in benthic mariculture species and suggest that matrix-associated feeding conditions may modify the apparent magnitude of short-term responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)
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23 pages, 2396 KB  
Article
Monitoring Environmental Glyphosate in Northeastern Romania and Its Cytotoxic Impact on Human Fibroblasts
by Ioana-Cezara Caba, Raluca Stefănescu, Alexandra-Andreea Botnaru, Ionela Daniela Morariu, Liliana Vereștiuc, Florina-Daniela Cojocaru, Bogdan Caba, Oana Cioancă, Alexandra Jităreanu and Luminița Agoroaei
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(2), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16020061 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 975
Abstract
Glyphosate is the most widely used pesticide globally, raising concerns about its environmental persistence and biological impacts. Therefore, monitoring pesticide use is essential for assessing agricultural practices and the risks to human health associated with chemical use. This research examined glyphosate contamination in [...] Read more.
Glyphosate is the most widely used pesticide globally, raising concerns about its environmental persistence and biological impacts. Therefore, monitoring pesticide use is essential for assessing agricultural practices and the risks to human health associated with chemical use. This research examined glyphosate contamination in water (40 samples) and soil (28 samples) from northeastern Romania, an important agricultural region. Glyphosate concentrations in environmental water and soil samples were quantified using a spectrophotometric method based on ninhydrin derivatization, with good linearity over the concentration range 1–30 µg/mL (R2 = 0.9981). Glyphosate was detected at concentrations above the LOQ in one water sample. Also, the study proposes a UHPLC-MS/MS method for the confirmation of glyphosate presence in the analyzed sample. Additionally, this study contributes to the characterization of the toxicity profiles of glyphosate and a commercial glyphosate-based formulation (Roundup®) in primary human gingival fibroblast (hGF) cell lines. The commercial product Roundup, containing glyphosate, exhibited cytotoxicity similar to that of the active compound at low and intermediate doses; a significant cytotoxic effect was observed at a maximum concentration of 1 mM, with prolonged exposure. These findings demonstrate minimal cytotoxicity under the examined conditions and underscore the need for dose- and time-dependent assessments to evaluate the biological impact of herbicide formulations. Full article
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16 pages, 2451 KB  
Article
Physiological Stress Signatures of Waterborne Glyphosate Exposure in Apostichopus japonicus: Insights for Aquatic Ecotoxicology
by Jingchun Sun, Shaoping Kuang and Hongsheng Yang
Toxics 2026, 14(4), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14040282 - 26 Mar 2026
Viewed by 735
Abstract
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide with increasing concern regarding its non-target impacts in coastal ecosystems and mariculture species. Here, we profiled acute physiological stress signatures of waterborne glyphosate exposure in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, integrating measured exposure concentrations, tissue residues, [...] Read more.
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide with increasing concern regarding its non-target impacts in coastal ecosystems and mariculture species. Here, we profiled acute physiological stress signatures of waterborne glyphosate exposure in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, integrating measured exposure concentrations, tissue residues, digestive and oxidative/innate immune biomarkers, and gut microbiota. After 24 h exposure, measured waterborne glyphosate confirmed the intended gradient (0.09 ± 0.02, 1.26 ± 0.09, and 4.49 ± 1.12 mg/L for low-, medium-, and high-dose treatments, respectively), and overt stress phenotypes with mortality occurred only at the high dose (36.67%), enabling separation of high-dose survivors (HS) and high-dose dead (HD) for downstream analyses. Tissue measurements showed low/background levels in controls, with compartment-specific distribution: the respiratory tree exhibited higher burdens at the medium dose, whereas coelomic fluid showed the highest burdens in HS at the 24 h endpoint. Functionally, most intestinal digestive enzymes were unchanged, but trypsin activity was consistently suppressed across exposed groups (p < 0.05). In coelomic fluid, oxidative stress responses were evident, with elevated MDA (L and M), reduced CAT (L, M, and HS), and reduced GSH-PX in HS (all p < 0.05), while SOD, GR, and lysozyme showed no significant changes. Gene sequencing of 16S rRNA (n = 3 per group) revealed significant shifts in community diversity/evenness (Shannon p = 0.0497; Simpson p = 0.0484) and beta diversity (PCo1 = 30.08%, PCo2 = 26.30%; PERMANOVA F = 1.816, p = 0.008), with LEfSe indicating discriminative taxa associated with exposure/outcomes. Collectively, these multi-level endpoints define an acute glyphosate stress signature in A. japonicus, linking internal dose distribution to oxidative disruption, impaired intestinal proteolysis, and microbiome restructuring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecotoxicology)
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24 pages, 3837 KB  
Article
Agro-Environmental Potential of Biosulfate as a New Soil Fertilizer: Herbicide Retention–Release and Effects on Ligninolytic Fungi and Horticultural Plants
by Elisabetta Loffredo, Nicola Denora, Danilo Vona and Nicola Colatorti
Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2457; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052457 - 3 Mar 2026
Viewed by 442
Abstract
Sustainable agriculture is increasingly reliant on reducing anthropogenic inputs and recycling organic waste while protecting ecosystems. In this context, this study investigated the agro-environmental properties of biosulfate, focusing on its interaction with herbicides and its effects on soil fungi and horticultural plants. Two [...] Read more.
Sustainable agriculture is increasingly reliant on reducing anthropogenic inputs and recycling organic waste while protecting ecosystems. In this context, this study investigated the agro-environmental properties of biosulfate, focusing on its interaction with herbicides and its effects on soil fungi and horticultural plants. Two biosulfate samples obtained from urban sewage sludge from the Barletta (BIO-BA) and Foggia (BIO-FO) treatment plants were characterized by Fourier transform infrared–attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adsorption/desorption of the herbicides metribuzin (MET), S-metolachlor (S-ME) and cycloxydim (CYC) on biosulfates was evaluated by studying adsorption kinetics and isotherms. All herbicides reached adsorption equilibrium within a few hours, according to pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating a predominant chemical interaction between biosulfate and the molecules. Considering the organic C content of BIO-BA (~21%) and BIO-FO (~17%), which was less than half that commonly measured for other organic fertilizers, such as compost and digestate, their adsorption capacity was high, with Freundlich adsorption constants ranging from 772 µg g−1 (S-ME on BIO-BA) to 1464 µg g−1 (CYC on BIO-FO). A low hysteresis coefficient indicated a rather slow and incomplete release of the molecules from the biosulfate. Exposure of the fungi Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii to 1, 2, 3, and 4% BIO-BA and BIO-FO stimulated mycelium growth, indicating that responses depended on fungal species and biosulfate dose. Finally, germination and early growth of lettuce and basil were generally unaffected by either biosulfate, as parameters such as germination percentage, root and shoot length, and fresh and dry biomass were not statistically different from the control. Some growth stimulation was observed in basil. Overall, biosulfate appears to be a promising soil fertilizer, as it can contribute to soil organic matter, retain xenobiotics, and exert biostimulatory effects under controlled conditions. Full article
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15 pages, 502 KB  
Review
Linking Pesticide Exposure to Gestational Diabetes: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
by Christina Pagkaki, Panagiotis Tsikouras and Panagiotis Halvatsiotis
Physiologia 2026, 6(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia6010004 - 5 Jan 2026
Viewed by 875
Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequent pregnancy pathology with poor maternal and fetal outcomes and risk of type 2 diabetes in later life. Despite known risk factors, such as obesity, age, and familial history, new data suggest that environmental exposure [...] Read more.
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequent pregnancy pathology with poor maternal and fetal outcomes and risk of type 2 diabetes in later life. Despite known risk factors, such as obesity, age, and familial history, new data suggest that environmental exposure to agents, such as pesticides, can play a role in the etiogenesis of GDM. Objective: The epidemiologic, experimental, and mechanistic evidence between pesticide exposure and GDM risk is summarized here, and we concentrate on recent research (2000–2025). Methods: We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published from January 2000 to December 2025 using combinations of the terms “fertilizers”, “herbicides”, and “pesticides” with “diabetes mellitus” and “gestational diabetes”. After deduplication, 12 unique studies met inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis (GDM endpoint or pregnancy glycemia with pesticide exposure). Results: Occupational and agricultural exposure to pesticides during first pregnancy was determined to be associated with a significantly increased risk of GDM through various epidemiologic studies. New studies have implicated new classes of pesticides, including pyrethroids and neonicotinoids, with higher GDM risk with first-trimester exposure. Experimental studies suggest that pesticides provide potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can induce insulin resistance through disruption of hormonal signaling, oxidative stress, inflammation, β-cell toxicity, and epigenetic modifications. However, significant limitations exist. Most of the evidence is observational, measurement of exposure is often indirect, and confounding factors are difficult to exclude. Notably, low dietary and residential exposure is not well studied, and dose–response relationships are undefined. Conclusions: New data indicate that pesticide exposure during early pregnancy and occupational exposure may increase the risk of GDM. Prospective cohort studies using biomonitoring, chemical mixture exposure, and geographic variation in pesticide exposure should be the focus of future research. Due to potential public health implications, preventive strategies to ensure the quality of nutrition and to reduce maternal exposure to pesticides during pregnancy are rational. Full article
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18 pages, 4231 KB  
Article
Atrazine Induces Reproductive Toxicity in an In Vitro Spermatogenesis (IVS) Model
by Monsikan Chaiyakit, Rangsun Parnpai and In K. Cho
Biomedicines 2025, 13(12), 2917; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13122917 - 28 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1270
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Atrazine (ATZ) is a widely used herbicide, and most studies of its reproductive toxicity have been conducted in vivo using animal models, where ATZ disrupts redox homeostasis, leading to male reproductive dysfunction. However, its molecular mechanisms of action in human spermatogenic cells [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Atrazine (ATZ) is a widely used herbicide, and most studies of its reproductive toxicity have been conducted in vivo using animal models, where ATZ disrupts redox homeostasis, leading to male reproductive dysfunction. However, its molecular mechanisms of action in human spermatogenic cells remain poorly understood. Huntington’s disease (HD), an autosomal dominant disorder caused by abnormal CAG repeat expansion in the HTT gene, exhibits heightened oxidative stress sensitivity and mitochondrial dysfunction, which may further impair reproductive function. This study investigated ATZ effects on human spermatogenesis using an in vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) model derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), focusing on Nrf2-mediated oxidative responses and apoptotic regulation during spermatogonial stem cell-like cell (SSCLC) differentiation in wild-type (WT) and HD hiPSC lines. Methods: Two WT and two HD hiPSC lines carrying 44 (HD1) and 180 (HD2) CAG repeats were treated with ATZ (0, 0.01, 1, or 10 μM) for 30 days, followed by differentiation into SSCLCs for 15 days under continuous exposure. Expression of pluripotency (OCT4, SOX2), oxidative stress (NFE2L2, SOD1, GPX1, NQO1), cell cycle (CDK1), apoptosis (BCL2, BAX, CASP3, CASP9, FAS, FASLG), and spermatogenic markers (DAZL, ZBTB16, GFRA1, PIWIL2) were assessed by immunocytochemistry and qRT-PCR. Results: Long-term ATZ exposure affected pluripotency markers in hiPSCs and SSCLC differentiation in a cell line–dependent manner. WT cells exhibited early differentiation suppression without significant apoptosis. HD1 cells were highly sensitive: low ATZ doses (0.01–1 μM) partially activated intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, whereas high-dose ATZ (10 μM) reduced Nrf2-target and spermatogenic gene expression, strongly impairing SSCLC maturation. HD2 cells showed pronounced oxidative stress with robust Nrf2-driven antioxidant responses and BCL2 that supported differentiation at low doses. However, excessive oxidative or proliferative signaling, including CDK1 upregulation at high ATZ concentrations, disrupted redox balance and SSCLC differentiation in HD2 cells. Conclusions: ATZ exerts dose- and genotype-dependent effects on IVS through coordinated regulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis. These findings highlight the interplay between Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defenses, apoptotic signaling, and genetic background in shaping spermatogenic outcomes, providing mechanistic insight into ATZ-induced reproductive toxicity in a human-relevant in vitro spermatogenesis model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Regulation of Spermatozoa—Second Edition)
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17 pages, 2246 KB  
Article
From Genes to Organs: A Multi-Level Neurotoxicity Assessment Following Dietary Exposure to Glyphosate and Its Metabolite Aminomethylphosphonic Acid in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
by Serafina Ferrara, Premysl Mikula, Aneta Hollerova, Petr Marsalek, Frantisek Tichy, Zdenka Svobodova, Caterina Faggio and Jana Blahova
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 11877; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152211877 - 7 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 850
Abstract
Herbicide glyphosate and its main metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), have raised concerns due to their potential neurotoxicity in non-target aquatic species. This study evaluated neurotoxic effects in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) following a 28-day dietary exposure to glyphosate (325.2 and 3310.0 [...] Read more.
Herbicide glyphosate and its main metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), have raised concerns due to their potential neurotoxicity in non-target aquatic species. This study evaluated neurotoxic effects in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) following a 28-day dietary exposure to glyphosate (325.2 and 3310.0 μg/kg) and AMPA (335.2 and 3441.0 μg/kg) at two concentrations, including control and four treatment groups. Brain acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in all exposed groups, while muscle acetylcholinesterase activity remained unchanged. Brain dopamine was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased only in the highest AMPA group. Plasma butyrylcholinesterase activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the low-dose glyphosate group. The level of mRNA expression of ache was significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in the brain across all treatments and upregulated in the gills only at the highest AMPA concentration. Histological analysis of the brain revealed vascular congestion in both glyphosate-exposed groups, indicating pathological changes. These results suggest that dietary exposure to glyphosate and AMPA can affect cholinergic and dopaminergic pathways in fish, with the brain being a particularly sensitive target tissue. Our findings contribute to understanding the potential neurotoxic risks posed by glyphosate-based compounds in aquatic environments. Full article
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12 pages, 1569 KB  
Article
Assessment of Florpyrauxifen-Benzyl Sensitivity in Echinochloa crus-galli and E. crus-galli var. mitis: A Case Study with 228 Populations in Eastern China
by Yang Chen, Aatiqa Masoom, Zeyue Huang, Jiahao Xue and Guoqi Chen
Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2446; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112446 - 22 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 788
Abstract
Echinochloa crus-galli and E. crus-galli var. mitis are two of the most troublesome rice weeds. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl is one of the most important post-emergence rice herbicides that has been pervasively applied in many countries since 2018. We collected 70 E. crus-galli and 158 E. [...] Read more.
Echinochloa crus-galli and E. crus-galli var. mitis are two of the most troublesome rice weeds. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl is one of the most important post-emergence rice herbicides that has been pervasively applied in many countries since 2018. We collected 70 E. crus-galli and 158 E. crus-galli var. mitis populations from rice fields in eastern China in 2022 and tested their sensitivities to florpyrauxifen-benzyl through whole-plant bioassays. A total of 21 days after treatment with florpyrauxifen-benzyl label dose (36 g ai ha−1), 71.4% of E. crus-galli and 70.9% of E. crus-galli var. mitis populations were completely controlled. The GR50 doses (doses causing 50% fresh weight reductions in aboveground parts) of florpyrauxifen-benzyl applied to E. crus-galli populations ranged from 1.4 to 36.9 g ai ha−1, with a baseline sensitivity dose of 4.9 g ai ha−1; those for E. crus-galli var. mitis populations ranged from 1.3 to 97.6 g ai ha−1, with a baseline sensitivity dose of 5.0 g ai ha−1. No significant differences between E. crus-galli and E. crus-galli var. mitis were found in GR50 values. Among 70 E. crus-galli populations, 61.4%, 35.7%, and 2.9% showed no, low, and moderate resistance to florpyrauxifen-benzyl, while among 158 E. crus-galli var. mitis populations, 54.4%, 36.1%, 1.9%, and 1.9% showed no, low, moderate, and high resistance to florpyrauxifen-benzyl, respectively. Moreover, the frequency of florpyrauxifen-benzyl-resistant populations of E. crus-galli var. mitis tended to be higher in southwestern areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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24 pages, 4198 KB  
Article
Bio-Efficiency of Foliar Herbicides Applied with Drift-Reducing Nozzles
by Sander De Ryck, Eline Van Hecke, Ingrid Zwertvaegher, David Nuyttens, Jan Vanwijnsberghe, Tewodros Andargie Zewdie, Pieter Verboven, Mattie De Meester and Benny De Cauwer
Agriculture 2025, 15(20), 2115; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15202115 - 11 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1055
Abstract
The increasing implementation of drift-reduction regulations in agriculture has driven the widespread adoption of drift-reducing spray nozzles. However, concerns remain about their impact on the biological efficacy of foliar-applied herbicides, particularly at early weed growth stages. This study evaluated the bio-efficiency of various [...] Read more.
The increasing implementation of drift-reduction regulations in agriculture has driven the widespread adoption of drift-reducing spray nozzles. However, concerns remain about their impact on the biological efficacy of foliar-applied herbicides, particularly at early weed growth stages. This study evaluated the bio-efficiency of various drift-reducing flat-fan nozzles across three weed species (Chenopodium album, Solanum nigrum, and Echinochloa crus-galli), two growth stages, and six herbicides differing in mode of action and formulation properties. Dose–response bioassays were conducted using eight nozzle–pressure combinations under controlled greenhouse conditions. Spray characteristics, including droplet size distribution, coverage, contact angle, and surface tension, were quantified to elucidate interactions affecting herbicide efficacy. The results showed that nozzle effects were more pronounced for high-surface-tension formulations and poorly wettable weed targets. Several coarser droplet drift-reducing nozzles (e.g., ID3, APTJ) showed inferior performance in controlling small C. album and S. nigrum targets with bentazon and erectophile E. crus-galli targets with cycloxydim. At the same time, nozzle choice was less critical for tembotrione and nicosulfuron spray solutions, which have low surface tension. Across weed species, growth stages, and herbicides, nozzles producing finer, slower droplets demonstrated superior and more consistent performance compared to those producing larger, faster droplets. These findings offer science-based guidance for selecting nozzle types that balance drift mitigation with effective weed control under current and future regulatory constraints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
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18 pages, 6133 KB  
Article
Neurochemical Remodelling of the Enteric Nervous System Neurons in the Porcine Jejunum Following Low-Dose Glyphosate Exposure
by Katarzyna Palus, Aleksandra Karpiesiuk and Barbara Jana
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(20), 9840; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26209840 - 10 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1208
Abstract
Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, is under scrutiny for its potential neurotoxic effects. This study investigated whether oral exposure to glyphosate, even at doses currently considered safe in Europe, alters the neurochemical profile of enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons in the porcine jejunum. [...] Read more.
Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, is under scrutiny for its potential neurotoxic effects. This study investigated whether oral exposure to glyphosate, even at doses currently considered safe in Europe, alters the neurochemical profile of enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons in the porcine jejunum. Fifteen immature female pigs were allocated to three groups: control (C), low-dose (G50; 50 µg/kg b.w./day), and higher-dose (G500; 500 µg/kg b.w./day). Following 28 days of exposure, jejunal samples were subjected to double-labelling immunofluorescence staining for neuronal markers, including Hu C/D and PACAP, CGRP, CART, nNOS, or VAChT. Results revealed dose-dependent neurochemical alterations across all enteric plexuses, with glyphosate increasing the number of neurons expressing PACAP, CGRP, CART, and nNOS, while reducing VAChT-positive neurons. The effect of glyphosate on enteric neurons appeared largely uniform across different plexus types, with more pronounced changes at the higher dose and only minor regional variation. Overall, the findings suggest that glyphosate exposure, even within regulatory limits, may alter the neurochemical profile of enteric neurons in a broadly uniform manner, potentially reflecting responses to oxidative stress or early neurotoxic effects, as reported in previous studies. This study challenges current safety thresholds and emphasises the need to reassess regulatory guidelines, particularly in the context of chronic exposure and potential risks to vulnerable populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Research on Neurotransmitters)
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19 pages, 1028 KB  
Article
Dicamba Impacts on Aquatic Bioindicators and Non-Target Plants
by Pâmela Castro Pereira, Isabella Alves Brunetti, Ana Beatriz da Silva, Ana Carolina de Oliveira, Claudinei da Cruz, Stephen Oscar Duke and Leonardo Bianco de Carvalho
AgriEngineering 2025, 7(10), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering7100336 - 8 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1696
Abstract
Use of dicamba, an auxin-mimic herbicide, has increased in recent years. Both the effects of dicamba on non-target plants and the determination of a biological model to determine the dicamba ecotoxicity dynamics are important to monitor the correct and safe use of this [...] Read more.
Use of dicamba, an auxin-mimic herbicide, has increased in recent years. Both the effects of dicamba on non-target plants and the determination of a biological model to determine the dicamba ecotoxicity dynamics are important to monitor the correct and safe use of this herbicide. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of low doses (simulating herbicide drift) and to determine the acute toxicity of dicamba to aquatic bioindicator species (Lemna minor, Pomacea canaliculate, Hyphessobrycon eques, and Danio rerio) and terrestrial non-target plants (Cucumis sativus, Solanum lycopersicum, and Lactuca sativa) in tropical conditions. Measurements of acute toxicity of dicamba at the concentrations that cause 50% of symptoms of injury (LC50) and other biometric variables were performed. Dicamba was virtually non-toxic to all aquatic bioindicator species (LC50 > 118.0 mg L−1), while it was highly toxic to all terrestrial non-target plants (LC50 < 0.5 mg L−1). Severe injury symptoms (70% to 100%) caused by application of low doses of dicamba were found for all non-target terrestrial plants. Severe injury symptoms (70% to 100%) caused by volatilization of dicamba were found only for S. lycopersicum. Since S. lycopersicum was found as the most sensitive non-target plant, showing high injury symptoms caused by dicamba and significant injury from volatilized dicamba, this species is suitable for environmental monitoring of dicamba applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Bioresource and Bioprocess Engineering)
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27 pages, 965 KB  
Review
Unveiling the Impacts of Glyphosate, Deltamethrin, Propamocarb and Tebuconazole on Gut Health
by Kimberly Fenech and Byron Baron
J 2025, 8(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/j8030036 - 15 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4563
Abstract
Pesticides are used in agriculture to protect crops from disease. Among these, the herbicide glyphosate, the insecticide deltamethrin, and the fungicides propamocarb and tebuconazole are approved for use in Europe. These pesticides, along with their metabolites, have been detected in the environment including [...] Read more.
Pesticides are used in agriculture to protect crops from disease. Among these, the herbicide glyphosate, the insecticide deltamethrin, and the fungicides propamocarb and tebuconazole are approved for use in Europe. These pesticides, along with their metabolites, have been detected in the environment including in food and water sources. Human biomonitoring studies have confirmed the presence of these compounds in biological samples, indicating persistent exposure even among the general population, unrelated to agricultural occupations. Consequently, numerous studies have investigated the health effects of these four pesticides and their metabolites. This review focuses on their impacts on gut health primarily the gut microbiota, inflammation, metabolism, cancer and gut–brain axis. Epidemiological studies were included to assess health risks among various groups including adults, children and pregnant women. Animal and in vitro models have been employed to explore in a more controlled and targeted way the physiological and biochemical effects observed in epidemiological studies. Despite some controversy, pesticides and their metabolites have been linked to gut dysbiosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), metabolic disorders, cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. Mechanistically, these pesticides influence gut microbiome composition, sugar and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways, cell death, oncogenic signalling pathways, endocrine disruption, and epigenetics. However, further studies are needed to confirm these risks and health impacts, particularly concerning low-dose, long-term exposure as experienced by the general population. A comprehensive investigation of these effects is essential, incorporating dietary factors, age, sex, health status, and the cumulative impact of multiple pesticides, to develop a thorough risk assessment. Full article
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14 pages, 2038 KB  
Article
Herbicide-Induced Fragmentation: Regenerative Ability of Cabomba Fragments After Exposure to Flumioxazin
by Junfeng Xu, Tobias Oliver Bickel and Steve Adkins
Biology 2025, 14(8), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081023 - 8 Aug 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 906
Abstract
Cabomba caroliniana A. Gray (cabomba) is an invasive alien aquatic plant (IAAP) posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems in Australia. Its ongoing spread is primarily driven by its rapid growth rate and ability to readily regenerate from stem fragments. Flumioxazin, an effective [...] Read more.
Cabomba caroliniana A. Gray (cabomba) is an invasive alien aquatic plant (IAAP) posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems in Australia. Its ongoing spread is primarily driven by its rapid growth rate and ability to readily regenerate from stem fragments. Flumioxazin, an effective herbicide for controlling cabomba, has been registered for use in Australia since 2021. However, exposing cabomba to flumioxazin can induce stem fragmentation, potentially facilitating further spread. This study aims to determine whether stem fragments of cabomba following treatment at different flumioxazin doses (i.e., 25, 50, 100, or 200 ppb a.i.) can regenerate new healthy shoots that could contribute to its future spread in a new environment, in either summer or winter. This study also aims to investigate how this regrowth potential changes over time after herbicide application. Results show that flumioxazin suppressed the regeneration of replanted stem fragments in a dose-dependent manner in both winter and summer. In winter, complete regeneration was suppressed at the highest concentration tested (200 ppb a.i.), while low concentrations (25 and 50 ppb a.i.) resulted in an average 45% lower regeneration rate and 93% lower regenerated biomass than the control. In summer, suppression of regeneration was lower; at 200 ppb a.i., partial regeneration (18%) occurred with a 97% biomass reduction. At lower concentrations (25 and 50 ppb a.i.), more stem fragments regenerated (66%) and biomass reduction was lower (69%) compared to winter. Furthermore, in summer, the plants gradually regained their ability to regenerate over time after herbicide exposure, regardless of flumioxazin concentration, while no such recovery occurred in winter at any concentration. The findings show that the highest tested dose (200 ppb a.i.) can effectively suppress cabomba regenerative ability, which will greatly reduce the risk of new infestations caused by dispersed fragments, particularly in winter, when cooler temperatures and lower light are suboptimal for cabomba growth. This suggests that winter may be a more effective season for flumioxazin application. However, since some regeneration still occurred in summer, even at the highest tested dose, the highest registered label rate (400 ppb a.i.) may be necessary to ensure effective suppression under warmer conditions. Further studies are needed to evaluate this higher dose and its long-term efficacy. Full article
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