Screening of fluopyram-based formulation toxicity in non-target organisms

Fluopyram is a fungicide with nematicidal properties widely used in agriculture, found in commercial products for agricultural pest management. Despite its increasing agricultural use, limited information exists on its cytogenotoxic and plant-level impacts. This study evaluated the cytogenotoxic and ecotoxicological effects of a fluopyram-based formulation on non-target organisms, including <i>Salmonella typhimurium</i> (TA98 and TA100 strains), <i>Artemia salina</i>, and seeds of <i>Lactuca sativa</i> (lettuce), <i>Allium cepa</i> (onion), and <i>Cucumis sativus</i> (cucumber). Concentrations ranging from 0.017 to 5.00 mg mL^-1 were tested. The pesticide did not induce mutagenic responses in the <i>Salmonella</i> strains tested but demonstrated cytotoxicity at high concentrations (≥1.67 mg mL^-1). In <i>A. salina</i>, increasing mortality was observed from 0.210 mg mL^-1, with an estimated LC₅₀ of 1.021 mg mL^-1. Regarding germination, onion seeds were affected at the highest tested concentration, while root growth in plant species exhibited a hormetic response, with stimulation at low concentrations and inhibition at higher ones. These findings underscore the need for continued environmental monitoring and risk assessment of fluopyram-based formulations, particularly regarding aquatic and plant ecosystems.