Detection of phytotoxic soil residues of hexazinone and simazine by a biological test using Lepidium sativum L. var. cresson

Current plant bioassays included in the guidelines for testing pesticides do not include the measurement of reproduction endpoints. A bioassay, based on reduction of flowering of cress was developed to detect soil residues of hexazinone and simazine at levels of 0.02 and 0.10 ppm, respectively. The endpoint used in the described bioassay is the percentage of plant viability that implies that the tested plants have reached the flowering stage. It was found that sensitivity of cress is lower in soils containing higher organic matter. Nomenclature: Hexazinone; simazine; Cress, Lepidium sativum L. var. Cresson. Additional index words: Dose–response curves, triazine herbicides. Abbreviations: DAS, days after sowing.