Risk Assessment of Insect-resistant and Herbicide Tolerant Genetically Modified Maize Bt11 for Cultivation, Import, Processing, Food and Feed Uses under Directive 2001/18/EC and Regulation (EC) Opinion

The Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA) and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) requested the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) for an opinion of potential risks to biodiversity and agriculture in Norway associated with import of seeds for sowing and cultivation of insect-resistant and herbicide tolerant genetically modified maize Bt11 under Directive 2001/18/EC (Notification C/F/96.05.10). The notification is still pending for authorisation in the European Union. VKM is also requested to assess the applicant´s post-market environmental monitoring plan, and the management measures suggested in the draft implementing decision of the European Commission. As the scope of the notification does not cover food and feed uses of maize Bt11, VKM was not asked for a health risk assessment of maize Bt11. However, VKM has decided to update a previous safety evaluation of the food and feed uses of maize Bt11 and derived products (VKM, 2014). VKM appointed a working group consisting of members from the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms, the Panel on Alien Organisms and trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the VKM staff to answer the requests. The Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms assessed and approved the final report. The genetically modified maize Bt11 was developed to provide protection against certain lepidopteran target pests, such as the European corn borer (ECB, Ostrinia nubilalis), and some species belonging to the genus Sesamia . The insect resistence is achieved by the expression of a truncated form of a Cry1Ab protein encoded by a modified cry1Ab gene derived from the soil microorganism Bacillus thuringiensis subsp kurstaki HD-1. Maize Bt11 also expresses the phosphinothricin - N - ace tyltransferase (pat) gene, derived from the soil microorganism Streptomyces viridochromogenes strain Tu494, which encodes the enzyme: phosphinothricin acetyl transferase (PAT). PAT protein confers tolerance to the herbicidal active substance glufosinate-ammonium. The PAT protein expressed in Bt11 was used as a selectable marker to facilitate the selection process of transformed plant cells and is not intended for weed management purposes. Since the scope of the notification C/F/96.05.10 does not cover the use of glufosinate-ammonium-containing herbicides on maize Bt11, potential effects due to the use of such herbicides on maize Bt11 are not considered by VKM. In delivering its scientific opinion, VKM considered relevant peer-reviewed scientific publications and information provided by the applicant in the notification C/F/96.05.10, the renewal application EFSA/GMO/RX/Bt11, and scientific opinions and comments from EFSA and other EU-member states. VKM has evaluated maize Bt11 with reference to its intended uses in the European Economic Area (EEA), and according to the principles described in the Norwegian Food Act, the Norwegian Gene Technology Act and regulations relating to impact assessment pursuant to the Gene Technology Act, Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms, and Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed. The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety has also decided to take account of the appropriate principles described in the EFSA guidelines for the risk assessment of GM plants and derived food and feed (EFSA 2011a), the environmental risk assessment of GM plants (EFSA 2010a), selection of comparators for the risk assessment of GM plants (EFSA, 2011b) and for the post-market environmental monitoring of GM plants (EFSA, 2011c). The scientific risk assessment of maize Bt11 includes molecular characterisation of the inserted DNA and expression of novel proteins, comparative assessment of agronomic and phenotypic characteristics, nutritional assessments, toxicology and allergenicity. An evaluation of unintended effects on plant fitness, potential for gene transfer, interactions between the GM plant and target and non-target organisms, effects on biogeochemical processes, the post-market environmental monitoring plan and coexistence measures at the farm level has also been undertaken. It is emphasised that the VKM mandate does not include assessments of contribution to sustainable development, societal utility and ethical considerations, according to the Norwegian Gene Technology Act and Regulations relating to impact assessment pursuant to the Gene Technology Act. These considerations are therefore not part of the risk assessment provided by the VKM. Molecular Characterization: Appropriate analyses of the integration site, inserted DNA sequence, flanking regions, and bioinformatics have been performed. The molecular characterisation reported by the applicant shows that the DNA-fragment containing the cry1Ab and pat genes, is integrated as a single copy at a single locus in the nuclear genome of maize Bt11 and that it is stably inherited as a dominant trait. VKM considers the molecular characterisation of maize Bt11 satisfactory. Comparative Assessment: Comparative analyses of data from field trials located at representative sites and environments in North America and Europe indicates that maize Bt11 is compositionally equivalent to its conventional counterpart, with the exception of the herbicide tolerance and insect resistance traits, conferred by the expression of the PAT and Cry1Ab proteins. However, data on the amino acid tryptophan, is only given in one out of six studies. Based on current knowledge, VKM concludes that maize Bt11 is compositionally equivalent to conventional maize. The data provided by the applicant are not sufficient to show that Bt11 maize is phenotypically and agronomically equivalent to conventional near-isogenic maize lines. The agronomic assessment data are provided from one growing season in the North America and one growing season in France. This is not considered to be sufficient for representative testing of agricultural environments. Food and Feed Risk Assessment: Whole food feeding studies have not indicated any adverse health effects of maize Bt11. These studies further support that maize Bt11 is nutritionally equivalent to conventional maize. The Cry1Ab and PAT proteins do not show sequence resemblance to other known toxins or IgE allergens, nor have they been reported to cause IgE mediated allergic reactions. Some studies have however indicated a potential role of Cry-proteins as adjuvants in allergic reactions. Based on current knowledge, the VKM concludes that maize Bt11 is nutritionally equivalent to conventional maize varieties. It is unlikely that the Cry1Ab and PAT proteins will introduce a toxic or allergenic potential in food or feed based on maize Bt11 compared to conventional maize. Environmental Risk Assessment: Maize is the only representative of the genus Zea in Europe, and there are no cross-compatible wild or weedy relatives outside cultivated maize with which maize can hybridise and form backcross progeny. Vertical gene transfer in maize therefore depends on cross-pollination with other conventional or organic maize varieties. In addition, unintended admixture of genetically modified material in seeds represents a possible way for gene flow between different crop cultivations. The risk of pollen flow from maize volunteers is negligible under Norwegian growing conditions. Since maize Bt11 has no altered agronomic and phenotypic characteristics, except for the specific target insect resistance and herbicide tolerance, the likelihood of unintended environmental effects as a consequence of spread of genes from maize Bt11 is considered to be extremely low. There are no reports of the target lepidopteran species attaining pest status on maize in Norway. Since there are no Bt-based insecticides approved for use in Norway, and lepidopteran pests have not been registered in maize, issues related to resistance evolution in target pests are not relevant at present for Norwegian agriculture. Published scientific studies showed that the likelihood of negative effects of Cry1Ab protein on non-target arthropods that live on or in the vicinity of maize plants is low. In Norway, the maize cultivation is marginal. The total crop area of forage maize is estimated to 2000-2800 decares, equivalent to less than 0.1% of the areas with cereal crops. The area of individual fields is limited by the topography such that the quantity of maize pollen produced under flowering is also limited. The potential exposure of Cry1Ab-containing maize pollen on non-target lepidopteran species in Norway is therefore negligible. Cultivation of maize Bt11 is not considered to represent a threat to the prevalence of red-listed species in Norway. Exposure of nontarget organisms to Cry proteins in aquatic ecosystems is likely to be very low, and potential exposure of Cry proteins to non-target organisms in aquatic ecosystems in Norway is considered to be negligible. VKM concludes that, although the data on the fate of the Cry1Ab protein and its potential interactions in soil are limited, the relevant scientific publications analysing the Cry1Ab protein, together with the relatively broad knowledge about the environmental fate of other Cry1 proteins, do not indicate significant direct effects on the soil environment. Despite limited number of studies, most studies conclude that effects on soil microorganisms and microbial communities are transient and minor compared to effects caused by agronomic and environmental factors. However, data are only available from short-term experiments and predictions of potential long-term effects are difficult to deduce. Coexistence: VKM concludes that separation distances of 200 meters most likely will ensure coexistence between genetically modified maize and conventional and organic maize varieties in Norway. Overall Conclusion: Based on current knowledge, VKM concludes that maize Bt11 is nutritionally equivalent t

Risk Assessment of Insect-resistant and Herbicide Tolerant Genetically Modified Maize 1507 for Cultivation, Import, Processing, Food and Feed Uses under Directive 2001/18/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003

The Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA) and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) requested the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) for an opinion of potential risks to biodiversity and agriculture in Norway associated with import of seeds for sowing, and cultivation of insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant genetically modified maize 1507 under Directive 2001/18/EC (Notification C/ES/01/01). The notification is still pending for authorisation in the European Union. VKM is also requested to assess the applicant´s post-market environmental monitoring plan, and the management measures suggested in the draft implementing decision of the European Commission. As VKM delivered a scientific opinion on this application including cultivation in 2014 (VKM, 2014), VKM is asked to assess whether the previous risk assessment is still valid concerning cultivation, and to update the opinion after current knowledge. The assessment shall specifically consider Norwegian conditions. Furthermore, as the notification does not cover food and feed uses of maize 1507, VKM was not asked for a health risk assessment of maize 1507. However, VKM has decided to update the previous safety evaluation of the food and feed uses of maize 1507 and derived products from 2014. VKM appointed a working group consisting of members from the Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms, the Panel on Alien Organisms and trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the VKM staff to answer the requests. The Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms has assessed and approved the final report. The genetically modified maize 1507 was developed to provide protection against certain lepidopteran target pests, such as the European corn borer (ECB, Ostrinia nubilalis), and some species belonging to the genus Sesamia. The insect resistence is achieved by the expression of a synthetic version of the truncated c ry1F gene derived from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai, a common soil bacterium. Maize 1507 also expresses the phosphinothricin - N - acetyltransferase (pat) gene, derived from the soil bacterium Streptomyces viridochromogenes. PAT protein confers tolerance to the herbicidal active substance glufosinate-ammonium. The PAT protein expressed in maize 1507 was used as a selectable marker to facilitate the selection process of transformed plant cells and is not intended for weed management purposes. Since the scope of the notification C/ES/01/01 does not cover the use of glufosinate-ammonium-containing herbicides on maize 1507, potential effects due to the use of such herbicides on maize 1507 are not considered by VKM. In delivering its scientific opinion, VKM considered relevant peer-reviewed scientific publications and information provided by the applicant in the notifications C/ES/01/01, C/NL/00/10, the applications EFSA/GMO/NL/2004/02 and EFSA/GMO/RX/1507, and scientific opinions and comments from EFSA and other EU member states. VKM has evaluated maize 1507 with reference to its intended uses in the European Economic Area (EEA), and according to the principles described in the Norwegian Food Act, the Norwegian Gene Technology Act and regulations relating to impact assessment pursuant to the Gene Technology Act, Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms, and Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed. VKM has also decided to take into account, the appropriate principles described in the EFSA guidelines for the risk assessment of GM plants and derived food and feed (EFSA, 2011a), the environmental risk assessment of GM plants (EFSA, 2010a), selection of comparators for the risk assessment of GM plants (EFSA, 2011b) and for the post-market environmental monitoring of GM plants (EFSA, 2011c). The scientific opinion of maize 1507 include molecular characterisation of the inserted DNA and expression of novel proteins, comparative assessment of agronomic and phenotypic characteristics, nutritional assessments, toxicology and allergenicity. An evaluation of unintended effects on plant fitness, potential for gene transfer, interactions between the GM plant and target and non-target organisms, effects on biogeochemical processes, the postmarket environmental monitoring plan and coexistence measures at the farm level has also been undertaken. It is emphasised that VKM’s mandate does not include assessments of contribution to sustainable development, societal utility and ethical considerations, according to the Norwegian Gene Technology Act and Regulations relating to impact assessment pursuant to the Gene Technology Act. These considerations are therefore not part of the risk assessment provided by VKM. Molecular Characterization: Appropriate analyses of the transgenic DNA insert, its integration site, number of inserts and flanking sequences in the maize genome, have been performed. The results show that one copy only of the insert is present in maize 1507. Homology searches with databases of known toxins and allergens have not indicated any potential production of harmful proteins or polypeptides caused by the genetic modification in maize 1507. Southern blot analyses and segregation studies show that the introduced genes cry1F and pat are stably inherited and expressed over several generations along with the phenotypic characteristics of maize 1507. VKM considers the molecular characterisation of maize 1507 satisfactory. Comparative Assessment: Comparative analyses of maize 1507 to its non-GM conventional counterpart have been performed during multiple field trials located at representative sites and environments in Chile (1998/99), USA (1999) and in Europe (1999, 2000 and 2002). With the exception of small intermittent variations, no biologically significant differences were found between maize 1507 and the conventional maize. Based on the assessment of available data, VKM concludes that maize 1507 is compositionally, agronomically and phenotypically equivalent to its conventional counterpart, except for the introduced characteristics, and that its composition fell within the normal ranges of variation observed among non-GM varieties. The field evaluations support a conclusion of no phenotypic changes indicative of increased plant weed/pest potential of 1507 compared to conventional maize. Food and Feed Safety Assessment: Whole food feeding studies on rats, broilers, pullets, pigs and cattle have not indicated any adverse health effects of maize 1507. These studies further indicate that maize 1507 is nutritionally equivalent to conventional maize. The PAT and Cry1F proteins do not show sequence resemblance to other known toxins or IgE allergens, nor have they been reported to cause IgE mediated allergic reactions. Some studies have however, indicated a potential role of Cry-proteins as adjuvants in allergic reactions. Based on current knowledge, VKM concludes that maize 1507 is nutritionally equivalent to conventional maize varieties. It is unlikely that the PAT and Cry1F proteins will introduce a toxic or allergenic potential in food or feed based on maize 1507 compared to conventional maize. Environmental Risk Assessment: Maize is the only representative of the genus Zea in Europe, and there are no cross-compatible wild or weedy relatives outside cultivated maize with which maize can hybridise and form backcross progeny. Vertical gene transfer in maize therefore depends on cross-pollination with other conventional or organic maize varieties. In addition, unintended admixture of genetically modified material in seeds represents a possible way for gene flow between different crop cultivations. The risk of pollen flow from maize volunteers is negligible under Norwegian growing conditions. Since maize 1507 has no altered agronomic and phenotypic characteristics, except for the specific target insect resistance and herbicide tolerance, the likelihood of unintended environmental effects as a consequence of spread of genes from maize 1507 is considered to be extremely low. There are no reports of the target lepidopteran species attaining pest status on maize in Norway. Since there are no Bt-based insecticides approved for use in Norway, and lepidopteran pests have not been registered in maize, issues related to resistance evolution in target pests are not relevant at present for Norwegian agriculture. There are a limited number of published scientific studies on environmental effects of Cry1F protein. Published scientific studies show that the likelihood of negative effects of Cry1F protein on non-target arthropods that live on or in the vicinity of maize plants is low. In Norway, the maize cultivation is marginal. The total crop area of forage maize is estimated to 2000-2800 decares, equivalent to less than 0.1 % of the areas with cereal crops. The area of individual fields is limited by the topography such that the quantity of maize pollen produced under flowering is also limited. The potential exposure of Cry1F-containing maize pollen on non-target lepidopteran species in Norway is therefore negligible. Cultivation of maize 1507 is not considered to represent a threat to the prevalence of red-listed species in Norway. Exposure of non-target organisms to Cry proteins in aquatic ecosystems is likely to be very low, and potential exposure of Cry proteins to non-target organisms in aquatic ecosystems in Norway is considered to be negligible. VKM concludes that, although the data on the fate of the Cry1F protein and its potential interactions in soil are limited, the relevant scientific publications analysing the Cry1F protein, together with the relatively broad knowledge about the environmental fate of other Cry1 proteins, do not indicate significant direct effects on the soil environment. Despite limited number of studies, most studies conclude that effects on soil microorganisms and microbial communities are transient and minor c

Protective effect of eucalyptus globulus extract on glufosinate ammonium -induced hepatotoxicity in wistar rats

The present study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Eucalyptus globulus extract against pesticide liver damage in comparison to silymarin, a classical antioxidant liver medicine. Liver damage was induced by oral administration of toxicant i.e. Glufosinate ammonium. The extent of damage was studied by assessing biochemical parameters and histopathological evaluations. The aqueous extracts of Eucalyptus globulus were administered respectively to the animals pretreated with pesticide and its effects on biochemical parameters were compared with standard drug silymarin (100mg/kg b.wt). Eucalyptus globules showed significant reduction of serum enzymes AST, ALT, ALP & Bilirubin (Aspartate Transminase, Alanine Transminase, Alkaline Phosphatase & Total bilirubin) when compared to control counterparts. The hepatoprotective effect of Eucalyptus globules was comparable with the standard drug silymarin and it was confirmed by histopathological findings. Moreover, these effects presented in a dose-dependent manner.The present study showed that aqueous extract of Eucalyptus globulus at the dosage level of 500 mg/kgb.wt may play a protective role against pesticideinduced hepatotoxicity

Ictal Eletroencephalographic Findings of Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus Associated With Glufosinate Ammonium Poisoning

No abstract available.

Difference of Ammonia Level as Predictor of Delayed Neurologic Complication in Patients with Glufosinate Ammonium Herbicide Poisoning Presented with Alert Mentality

PURPOSE: The serum ammonia level was postulated as a surrogate marker for severe neurotoxicity in glufosinate ammonium (GLA) poisoning. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the level of serum ammonia can predict delayed neurologic complications in patients with GLA poisoning presented with alert mentality. METHODS: Thirty-six GLA-poisoned patients presented to our emergency department with alert mentality initially were analyzed retrospectively. The baseline characteristics, laboratory findings, ammonia level (initial and second ammonia level, frequency of hyperammonemia, and difference of ammonia level), and clinical outcomes were compared between non-neurologic (n=16) and neurologic complication groups (n=20). RESULTS: Neurologic complications occurred in 20 patients (55.6%) with 14.3 hours (median) of latent period. The initial ammonia level and frequency of initial hyperammonemia did not show any difference between the two groups. However, the difference of ammonia level between the 2nd and 1st samples was an independent predictor of delayed neurologic complication (adjusted odds ratio; 1.184 (95% confidence interval (CI); 1.01-1.387, p=0.037)). The area under the curve and cut-off point of the difference of ammonia level for the prediction of delayed neurologic complication was 0.936 (95% CI; 0.756-0.992) and 15.4 umol/L respectively. CONCLUSION: The difference of ammonia level rather than the initial ammonia level could be used to predict delayed neurologic complication in GLA-poisoned patients presented with alert mentality.

A Case of Anterograde Amnesia with Bilateral Hippocampus Involvement After Acute Glufosinate Ammonium Intoxication

A 51-year-old man developed anterograde amnesia following the ingestion of glufosinate ammonium. Brain MRI revealed hyperintense lesions involving the bilateral hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, and the right occipital lobe. The mechanism underlying acute glufosinate ammonium intoxication and the differential diagnosis of hippocampal lesions are discussed.

Erythema Multiforme-like Eruptions Caused by Accidental Exposure to Glufosinate Ammonium / 대한피부과학회지

Glufosinate ammonium herbicide is a nonselective herbicide used worldwide because it is less toxic than paraquat. Acute glufosinate ammonium intoxications manifest as injuries of the intestinal mucosa, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, respiratory distress, and death resulting from human abuse. We present a case of irritant contact dermatitis on the back caused by accidental exposure to glufosinate ammonium and followed by erythema multiforme-like eruptions without systemic intoxication, which has not been documented previously in Korea.

Encephalopathy After Glufosinate Ammonium Intoxication

Glufosinate ammonium is the active ingredient in broad-spectrum contact herbicides such as BASTA(R) that inhibits the activity of glutamine synthetase, which is necessary for the production of the amino acid glutamine and for ammonia detoxification. Complications of glufosinate ammonium intoxication include gastrointestinal symptoms, loss of consciousness, convulsions, memory impairment, respiratory failure, and cardiovascular instability. We report herein a case of encephalopathy and reversible signal changes in the splenium of the corpus callosum, the bilateral corticospinal tracts, the hippocampi, and the cerebellar peduncles as seen in diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images following BASTA(R) intoxication.

Glufosinate Herbicide Intoxication Causing Unconsciousness, Convulsion, and 6th Cranial Nerve Palsy

Although glufosinate ammonium herbicides are considered safe when used properly, ingestion of the undiluted form can cause grave outcomes. Recently, we treated a 34-yr-old man who ingested glufosinate ammonium herbicide. In the course of treatment, the patient developed apnea, mental deterioration, and sixth cranial nerve palsy; he has since been discharged with full recovery after intensive care. This case report describes the clinical features of glufosinate intoxication with a focus on sixth cranial nerve palsy. Our observation suggests that neurologic manifestations after ingestion of a "low-grade toxicity herbicide" are variable and more complex than that was previously considered.

Interações entre herbicidas e protetores para o controle de capim-annoni em pastagem natural / Interactions among herbicides and safeners for the south african lovegrass control in natural grassland

A similaridade botânica do capim-annoni com as espécies forrageiras nativas ou cultivadas dificultam o seu controle em pastagens naturais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de associações entre herbicidas e protetores sobre o controle de capim-annoni e a seletividade em pastagem natural. Foram realizados dois experimentos a campo em área de pastagem natural típica do Bioma Pampa avaliando-se herbicidas aplicados em pré e pós-emergência. Outro experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação com as espécies capim-annoni e grama forquilha onde foram avaliados os herbicidas glufosinate-ammonium e imazethapyr. Em ambos os experimentos os herbicidas foram avaliados isolados ou em associação com os protetores anidrido naftálico, dietholate e fluxofenim. Os experimentos a campo demonstraram que os herbicidas aplicados em pré ou pós-emergência em interação com os protetores não proporcionaram controle satisfatório do capim-annoni e nem aumento da seletividade à pastagem natural. Por outro lado, o experimento em condições controladas indicou a ocorrência de sinergismo do herbicida glufosinate-ammonium em interação com os protetores anidrido naftálico, dietholate e fluxofenim sobre o capim-annoni. As diferenças relacionadas a estádio de desenvolvimento e densidade de infestação estão relacionadas as variações das respostas nos estudos a campo e em condições controladas. A utilização de herbicidas em associações com protetores apresenta potencialidade de controle seletivo de capim-annoni quando aplicado em plantas em estádios iniciais de desenvolvimento.

The botanical similarity of the invasive weed Eragrostis plana Nees (South African lovegrass) difficult its selective control in natural pastures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the association between herbicides and safeners on the control of E. plana and on the selectivity to the natural pastures. Two experiments were conducted at field conditions in area of natural grassland of the Biome Pampa where several herbicides were evaluated in pre and post-emergence. A third experiment was carried out in greenhouse evaluating the herbicides glufosinate-ammonium and imazethapyr and the species E. plana and Paspalum notatum. In both experiments, the herbicides were evaluated isolated and in association with the safeners anhydride naphtalic, dietholate and fluxofenim. The field experiments indicated that the evaluated safeners did not increase E. plana control and native grassland selectively. The greenhouse experiment indicated the occurrence of synergism on E. plana for the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium in mixture with the safeners anhydride naphtalic, dietholate and fluxofenim. The different results in the field and greenhouse experiments are related to the plant stage and density. The use of herbicides in association with safeners indicated a potentiality for selective control of E. plana when applied to plants in the early stages of development.

Response of Bt. cotton to post emergence herbicides in Vertisols of Krishna zone.

Cotton, a long duration crop coupled with heavy rains during the early vegetative stage inhibit manual and mechanical methods of weed control causing heavy yield loss . A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different post emergence herbicides applied at 45 DAS viz; glufosinate ammonium 15% SL @ 300 g a.i ha-1, glufosinate ammonium 15% SL @ 375 g a.i ha-1, glufosinate ammonium 15% SL @ 450 g a.i ha-1, paraquat 24 SL @ 300 g a.i ha-1, glyphosate 4l SL @1025 g a.i ha-1 on productivity of Bt. cotton entry NCS 145 BG II against Cyprus rotundus, Commalina bengalensis, Corchorus acutangulus, Amaranthus viridis, Abutilon indicum, Phyllanthus niruri ,Celosia argentia, Parthenium sp etc from 2008 to 2010 in vertisols under rainfed conditions at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur. The seed cotton yield increased significantly due to all the treatments to the magnitude of 66-75% as compared to weedy check. The highest seed cotton yield of 3094 kg ha-1 was recorded with glufosinate ammonium 15% SL @ 375g a.i ha-1 followed by hand weeding at 20, 40 and 60DAS (3062 kg ha-1) and glyphosate 41 SL @ 1025 g a.i ha-1 (2902 kg ha-1). The weed density and weed dry matter recorded were lowest with the application glufosinate ammonium 15% SL @ 375g a.i ha-1 and glufosinate ammonium 15% SL @ 450g a.i ha-1 when compared to other treatments.

Treatment of Status Epilepticus Following Glufosinate Ammonium Intoxication: A Case Report / 대한간질학회지

Glufosinate ammonium (GLA, BASTA(R)), a non-selective herbicide, is widely used in many countries including Korea. The neurological complications of GLA intoxication are manifested as a loss of consciousness, convulsion, or memory impairment. We encountered a 59-year-old male, who was presented to the emergency department 1 hour after orally ingesting GLA. The patient developed mental disturbances, impaired respiration and generalized tonicch ronic seizures. Although the patient was initially treated with lorazepam and phenytoin, the seizures continued to occur. Through continuous infusion of midazolam along with respiratory support, the occurrence of the seizures was controlled. The patient was discharged with no medical and neurological abnormalities except for a shortterm memory loss.

Toxic Effect of Glufosinate-Ammonium on Liver of Rats / 环境与健康杂志

Objective To study the toxic effect of glufosinate-ammonium on the liver. Methods SD rats aged 6 weeks with weight of 140-160 g were randomly divided into four groups, 20 (10 males and 10 females) in each group. The rats were treated for three months by gavaging different doses of glufosinate-ammonium (0, 100, 250, 500 mg/kg bw) for the experimental group and 2% Tween-80 solution for the control group. All the rats were weighted once a week. The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the serum were determined at the end of the study. Liver weight was measured and liver index was calculated. Pathological examination was performed. Results Treated with high-dose of glufosinate-ammonium, a retarded growth of rats was seen, the activity of ALT, AST and ALP increased significantly in both male and female rats, the liver index increased significantly and pathological changes of the liver were also observed compared with the control. No significant changes were found in the rats treated with moderate and low dose compared with the control. Conclusion Glufosinate-ammonium may produce a toxic effect on the liver of rat when the exposed dose is more than 500 mg/kg.