EFFECTS OF ACUTE GLYPHOSATE EXPOSURE ON THE GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY OF NOSTOC SPHAEROIDES, AN EDIBLE CYANOBACTERIUM OF PADDY RICE FIELDS
草甘膦对可食用蓝藻葛仙米生长和生理的影响

The productivity of Nostoc sphaeroides,an edible cyanobacterium found in paddy rice fields has declined in recent years. It may relate to the increased application of agricultural herbicides. To assess the impact of glyphosate exposure(0.15,0.30,0.45 and 0.6 mmol/L Gly acid) ,the effects on colony size,dry biomass accumulation,chlorophyll a fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and chlorophyll a biosynthesis were investigated over an 8d period. All parameters were significantly inhibited in a concentration used and time dependent way. After 2d exposure to 0. 15 mmol/L Gly colonies were approximately 15% smaller than the controls. After 4d exposure,chlorophyll a content and Fv/Fm were affected by the highest concentration used(0.6 mmol/L Gly). By the 8d, chlorophyll biosynthesis and Fv/Fm were significantly inhibited by concentrations greater than 0.15 and 0.3 mmol/L Gly, respectively. The 8d relative growth rates ( RGRs), calculated for dry biomass, were significantly affected by all glyphosate treatments,there was a 60% reduction at 0.15 mmol/L Gly and negative RGRs at higher concentrations indicate a loss of biomass. Exposure to 0. 6 mmol/L Gly was lethal with loss of colony integrity,bleaching of pigments and no photosynthetic activity by 8d. These results are discussed in terms of the mechanisms of toxicity and the potential implications for the long term sustainability of the N. sphaeroides resource.