The response of amphibian larvae to exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide (Roundup WeatherMax) and nutrient enrichment in an ecosystem experiment

Edge, Christopher B.; Thompson, Dean G.; Hao, Chunyan; Houlahan, Jeff E.

doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.07.040

Cited by 30 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 46 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Overall, our findings for a European amphibian species corroborate former studies showing effects of different Roundup formulations on the growth of mainly North-American amphibian species (Edge et al, 2014; Howe et al, 2004; Lanctôt et al, 2014; Navarro-Martín et al, 2014; Relyea, 2004; Relyea, 2012; Wojtaszek et al, 2004). Our results of 4.2% decrease in tl of B. bufo tadpoles in tubs containing Roundup PowerFlex (15 °C) compared to the control is in line with findings of a previous study where we tested effects of Roundup LB Plus on B. bufo development (Baier et al, 2016).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…L −1 to 6.0 mg a.e. L −1 affected growth and development of North American larval anurans (Edge et al, 2014; Lanctôt et al, 2014; Navarro-Martín et al, 2014; Relyea, 2004), showed other sub-lethal morphological and behavioral effects (Cauble & Wagner, 2005; Mann & Bidwell, 1999; Moore, Chivers & Ferrari, 2015; Muñoz, Rojas & Bautista, 2014) and even lead to acute mortality when exposed to high doses (Fuentes et al, 2011; Moore et al, 2012; Relyea, 2005b; Williams & Semlitsch, 2010). However, concerning effects of glyphosate-based herbicides on native European amphibian species only very little is known (Wagner & Lötters, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Non-target effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on Common toad larvae (Bufo bufo, Amphibia) and associated algae are altered by temperature

Baier

Gruber

Hein

et al. 2016

PeerJ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundGlyphosate-based herbicides are the most widely used pesticides in agriculture, horticulture, municipalities and private gardens that can potentially contaminate nearby water bodies inhabited by amphibians and algae. Moreover, the development and diversity of these aquatic organisms could also be affected by human-induced climate change that might lead to more periods with extreme temperatures. However, to what extent non-target effects of these herbicides on amphibians or algae are altered by varying temperature is not well known.MethodsWe studied effects of five concentrations of the glyphosate-based herbicide formulation Roundup PowerFlex (0, 1.5, 3, 4 mg acid equivalent glyphosate L−1 as a one time addition and a pulse treatment of totally 4 mg a.e. glyphosate L−1) on larval development of Common toads (Bufo bufo, L.; Amphibia: Anura) and associated algae communities under two temperature regimes (15 vs. 20 °C).ResultsHerbicide contamination reduced tail growth (−8%), induced the occurrence of tail deformations (i.e. lacerated or crooked tails) and reduced algae diversity (−6%). Higher water temperature increased tadpole growth (tail and body length (tl/bl) +66%, length-to-width ratio +4%) and decreased algae diversity (−21%). No clear relation between herbicide concentrations and tadpole growth or algae density or diversity was observed. Interactive effects of herbicides and temperature affected growth parameters, tail deformation and tadpole mortality indicating that the herbicide effects are temperature-dependent. Remarkably, herbicide-temperature interactions resulted in deformed tails in 34% of all herbicide treated tadpoles at 15 °C whereas no tail deformations were observed for the herbicide-free control at 15 °C or any tadpole at 20 °C; herbicide-induced mortality was higher at 15 °C but lower at 20 °C.DiscussionThese herbicide- and temperature-induced changes may have decided effects on ecological interactions in freshwater ecosystems. Although no clear dose-response effect was seen, the presence of glyphosate was decisive for an effect, suggesting that the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) in our study was 1.5 mg a.e. glyphosate L−1 water. Overall, our findings also question the relevance of pesticide risk assessments conducted at standard temperatures.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-target effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on Common toad larvae (Bufo bufo, Amphibia) and associated algae are altered by temperature

Baier

Gruber

Hein

et al. 2016

PeerJ

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Overall, our hatch rate was 65%, which is lower than the previously published estimates of hatch success in wood frogs of between 78.4% (Herreid & Kinney, 1966) and 96.6% (Seigel, 1983). Previous research at the same field site noted~90% hatch success (Edge et al, 2014). In 2014, embryos experienced an average of 5.6 nights of below 0°C temperatures, whereas in 2015, there was only an average of 2.3 nights below 0°C.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 68%

“…The eggs take about 14 days to hatch and the larvae take about 60-90 days to complete metamorphosis and enter the terrestrial environment (Berven, 1982). Observations at our study site and the literature suggest that second-year green frog (Lithobates clamitans: Ranidae) and CRUMP AND HOULAHAN | 1245 limnephilid and phryganeilid caddisfly (Insecta: Trichoptera) larvae, as well as adult red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens: Salamandridae) can be significant predators of wood frog embryos (Edge, Thompson, Hao, & Houlahan, 2014;Kross & Richter, 2016;Petranka & Kennedy, 1999;Richter, 2000;Rowe, Sadinski, & Dunson, 1994;Vasconcelos & Calhoun, 2006). Evidence suggests that pond-breeding amphibian populations experience population regulation at multiple life stages (Altwegg, 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 70%

The impacts of overwintered green frog larvae on wood frog embryo mortality under a wetter climate

Crump

Houlahan

2017

Freshwater Biology

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

For many species, the distribution and quantity of habitat is likely to be altered under climate change scenarios. Globally, temperatures are expected to increase, but changes in precipitation will be variable with some locations expected to receive more and other locations to receive less. The amount and timing of precipitation has a strong influence on wetland hydroperiod, which is a critical factor in determining wetland use by species of pond‐breeding amphibians. Past research has focused on the direct effects of reductions in precipitation and shorter hydroperiods, such as larvae desiccation, but little attention has been given to the indirect consequences of increased precipitation and longer hydroperiods, such as changes in predation pressure. We used wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus), a species that typically breeds in ephemeral (temporary) wetlands, to test the hypothesis that increased precipitation and permanent wetlands would indirectly increase mortality in wood frog embryos through increases in the density of embryo predators, second‐year green frog larvae (Lithobates clamitans), limnephilid and phryganeid caddisfly larvae and red‐spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens). We conducted translocation experiments in 2014 and 2015. We monitored wood frog embryo hatch success and mortality from predation using open (predator access) and closed (predators excluded) cages in 16 wetlands in each year. We observed no difference in embryo hatch success between ephemeral and permanent wetlands, with water temperature, not pH, affecting hatch rates. Wood frog embryos in permanent wetlands with overwintered second‐year green frog larvae had higher mortality from predation (0.80, 95% confidence intervals 0.65–0.91) than permanent wetlands (0.42, CI 0.26–0.60) and ephemeral wetlands (0.37, CI 0.31–0.45) that lacked predatory green frog larvae. Embryo mortality from predation increased with increasing green frog larvae density. Regression models showed that ponds with larvae densities >2.5 larvae m−2 resulted in 90% embryo mortality. Caddisfly larvae and red‐spotted newt density had no effect, and pond water temperature had a weak negative effect on embryo mortality from predation. Under a wetter and warmer climate, springtime occupancy of predatory green frog larvae is likely to increase, resulting in a reduction in the amount of suitable wood frog breeding habitat. Our research suggests that indirect effects of climate change mediated through biotic interactions may play a critical role in the distribution of ephemeral wetland species.

show abstract

“…Recent studies rightly highlight the need for a better understanding of pesticide action on amphibians under field conditions (Edge et al 2013(Edge et al , 2014 because different abiotic and biotic factors may modify toxic effects in the wild (reviewed in Wagner et al 2013). However, at the beginning, laboratory experiments are needed to achieve results under controlled conditions to reach an understanding of both the action of the compound and the species-specific reactions of the test organism.…”

mentioning

confidence: 98%

Acute Toxic Effects of the Herbicide Formulation Focus® Ultra on Embryos and Larvae of the Moroccan Painted Frog, Discoglossus scovazzi

Wagner

Lötters

Veith

et al. 2015

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

For regulatory and scientific purposes, there is a need to understand the sensitivity of a wider variety of wild species of amphibians and the sensitivities within their life stages to chemicals of widespread use such as herbicides. We investigated the acute toxic effects of the herbicide formulation Focus Ultra [with the active ingredient (a.i.) cycloxydim plus solvent naphtha and sodium dioctylsulphosuccinate as added substances] on embryos and early stage larvae of the Moroccan painted frog (Discoglossus scovazzi). Different clinical signs (twitching, convulsion, and narcosis) occurred at 40 and 80 mg/L in embryos (4 and 8 mg a.i./L) and narcotic effects (total immobilization or irregular escape responses) at 10, 15, and 20 mg/L in larvae (1, 1.5, and 2 mg a.i./L). Growth inhibition (total length), starting at 20 mg/L in embryos and 2.5 mg/L in larvae (2 and 0.25 mg a.i./L, respectively) was understood as sign of toxicity (retardation) and not as sign of teratogenicity. However, the connection to teratogenesis remained unclear though total length reduction occurred at concentrations <20 % of the 96-h LC50 value and at a minimum concentration that inhibits growth of only 17 % of the 96-h LC50 value. Starting at 20 mg/L, mortality in embryos significantly increased and at 15 mg/L in early larvae (2 and 1.5 mg a.i./L, respectively). Mortality of larvae was enhanced during the first 24 h of exposure to 15 and 20 mg/L (1.5 and 2 mg a.i./L). Morphology of the embryos remained unobtrusive. In contrary, axial malformations significantly increased in the early larvae starting at 10 mg/L (1 mg a.i./L), a concentration free of lethal effects. In all considered end points, larvae were significantly more sensitive than embryos, probably because of developmental and physiological properties or different exposure and bioavailability of the compound. Focus Ultra induced comparable lethal and immobilization effects in D. scovazzi as it does to standard test organisms in pesticide approval. However, to validate the apparent safety in the field, which is based on calculated surface water concentrations of the a.i., more data on real contamination levels is necessary (e.g., peak concentrations, concentrations of added substances). Furthermore, sufficient buffer strips between the farmland and amphibian ponds must be considered, and the effects of the substance on terrestrial life stages have not been assessed yet.

show abstract

The response of amphibian larvae to exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide (Roundup WeatherMax) and nutrient enrichment in an ecosystem experiment

Cited by 30 publications

References 46 publications

Non-target effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on Common toad larvae (Bufo bufo, Amphibia) and associated algae are altered by temperature

Non-target effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on Common toad larvae (Bufo bufo, Amphibia) and associated algae are altered by temperature

The impacts of overwintered green frog larvae on wood frog embryo mortality under a wetter climate

Acute Toxic Effects of the Herbicide Formulation Focus® Ultra on Embryos and Larvae of the Moroccan Painted Frog, Discoglossus scovazzi

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About