Impact of an Herbicide Combination of Bromoxynil and Prosulfuron on Soil Microorganisms

Soil microcosm experiments were used to investigate the effects on growth and activity of soil microorganisms of an herbicide combination (60% bromoxynil + 3% prosulfuron) frequently used to provide a broad spectrum control of weed species. Culturable aerobic bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current microbiology 2006-09, Vol.53 (3), p.238-243
Main Authors: Pampulha, M. E, Oliveira, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Actinobacteria - drug effects
Bacteria
Bacteria - drug effects
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Fungi - drug effects
Herbicides
Herbicides - pharmacology
Microbiology
Nitriles - pharmacology
Oxidoreductases - metabolism
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds - metabolism
Soil - analysis
Soil Microbiology
Soil microorganisms
Sulfonylurea Compounds - pharmacology
Time Factors
Triazines - pharmacology
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Summary:Soil microcosm experiments were used to investigate the effects on growth and activity of soil microorganisms of an herbicide combination (60% bromoxynil + 3% prosulfuron) frequently used to provide a broad spectrum control of weed species. Culturable aerobic bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, the fundamental groups of heterotrophic microorganisms, and nitrifiers, considered a very sensitive group to these compounds, were evaluated. Since herbicides have been found to inhibit decomposition of cellulose in soil, the effects on cellulolytic bacteria and fungi were determined. Dehydrogenase activity as a measure of microbial activity was another parameter considered. The results emphasized a tendency of reversible stimulatory/inhibitory effects of the tested compounds on soil microorganisms, with fungi as an exception. A long-lasting negative action on the activity of the dehydrogenase (DHA), commonly used as an index of the overall microbial activity in soil, was found. The magnitude of these effects were dependent on the assayed concentrations of the herbicides mixture. We concluded that the presence of bromoxynil + prosulfuron could induce significant changes in the microbial populations of the soil, concerning the activity and balance of microbial community. Possible environmental risks must be considered. Dehydrogenase activity was shown to be an important indicator of side-effects attributed to these herbicides.
ISSN:0343-8651
1432-0991
DOI:10.1007/s00284-006-0116-4