Reproductive Toxicity Effect of Isocycloserum 9.2% w/w DC on Earthworm, Eisenia fetida
A laboratory study was conducted to find out the reproductive toxicity of Isocycloserum 9.2% w/w DC formulation on the inbred earthworm test species Eisenia fetida maintained in the laboratory. A preliminary range finding experiment was performed with concentrations of 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg dry artificial soil of Isocycloserum 9.2% w/w DC. Based on the results of the range finding study, a full-fledged main experiment was conducted with concentrations of 50, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg dry artificial soil of Isocycloserum 9.2% w/w DC. Results of the main experiment revealed that there were no biomass changes observed in treated groups when compare to control group, indicating no adverse effects on growth or physiological condition. Similarly, cocoon production and juvenile emergence of earthworm were not significantly affected at any tested concentration of Isocycloserum 9.2% w/w DC, demonstrating that the test chemical does not have any potential adverse effect on the reproductive ability of earthworm.