Abstract
Pyraclostrobin-based fungicides play an effective role in the control of fungal diseases and are extensively used in the agricultural sector. However, there is growing concern regarding the potential effects of these fungicides on nontarget organisms and the influence they exert on ecosystem functioning. Given this concern, it is essential to conduct comprehensive studies with model organisms to understand the impacts of these fungicides on different groups of living organisms. In this study, the ecotoxicity of a commercial fungicide containing pyraclostrobin was evaluated. The focus of the analysis was on the germination and initial development of seedlings of four plant models (Lactuca sativa, Raphanus sativus, Pennisetum glaucum and Triticum aestivum), in addition to evaluating the population growth rate and total carbohydrate content in the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata. The fungicide negatively influenced the growth and development of the tested plants, indicating its toxic effect. The fungicide had a significant impact on the initial development of seedlings of all the model species evaluated, and T. aestivum plants exhibited the greatest susceptibility to pyraclostrobin. Plants of this species exhibited inhibitory effects on both the aerial parts and roots when treated with at a concentration of 4.75 mg/L. In addition, the green microalga R. subcapitata was also significantly affected by the fungicide, especially at relatively high concentrations, which resulted in a reduction in the total carbohydrate content. The pyraclostrobin-based fungicide showed phytotoxic potential for the model plant species tested in this study and was shown to be a highly toxic contaminant for the aquatic environment.