Toxic and genotoxic effects of Roundup on tadpoles of the Indian skittering frog (Euflictis cyanophlyctis) in the presence and absence of predator stress

Glyphosate, a post emergent herbicide, has become the backbone of no-till agriculture and is considered safe for animals. However, the impact of glyphosate on non-target organisms, especially on amphibians, is the subject of major concern and debate in recent times. We examined the toxic and genotoxic effects of Roundup, a commercial formulation of glyphosate, in the tadpoles of the Indian skittering frog (Euflictis cyanophlyctis). Roundup at different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 mg acid equivalent (ae)/L), tested in a 2 × 6 factorial design in the presence and absence of predator stress, induced concentration-dependent lethality in tadpoles. The 96-h LC50 for Roundup in the absence and presence of predator stress were 3.76 mg ae/L and 3.39 mg ae/L, respectively. The 10-day LC50 value for Roundup was significantly lower, 2.12 mg ae/L and 1.91 mg ae/L in the absence and presence of predator stress, respectively. Lower concentrations of Roundup (1, 2 and 3 mg ae/L) induced the formation of micronuclei (MN) in the erythrocytes of tadpoles at 24-h (F3,56 = 10.286, p < 0.001), 48-h (F3,56 = 48.255, p < 0.001), 72-h (F3,56 = 118.933, p < 0.001) and 96-h (F3,56 = 85.414, p < 0.001) in a concentration-dependent manner. Presence of predator stress apparently increased the toxicity and genotoxicity of Roundup; but these effects were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that Roundup at environmentally relevant concentrations has lethal and genotoxic impact on E. cyanophlyctis; which may have long-term fitness consequence to the species.

► Roundup has lethal impacts on tadpoles of E. cyanophlyctis.
► Roundup at low doses within the lethal range is genotoxic to E. cyanophlyctis.
► Predator stress did not change genotoxicity significantly.