Physiological changes in tomato crop due to simulated drift of herbicides

Abstract

The accidental drift can occur as a result of the herbicide application. However, little is known regarding the physiological changes in crops resulting from herbicide drift. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of simulated drift of glyphosate and clomazone in tomato. The experimental scheme was randomized and the treatments arranged in a factorial design, where factor A compared herbicides (glyphosate or clomazone) and factor B rates (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50% of the recommended rate). Content of total phenols, chlorophyll contents (a, b and total) and carotenoids, lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage were evaluated. Increasing rates of herbicides resulted in increased content of total phenols and electrolyte leakage in plants. Drift of herbicide glyphosate results in the reduction of photosynthetic pigments and causes higher lipid peroxidation of membranes in tomato, compared to clomazone. The accidental drift results in alteration in the metabolism of tomato plants, resulting in oxidative stress.