Evaluation of the phytotoxicity of a pesticide (TRACTOR 10E) based on Alpha-cypermethrin in two plant species: lentils (Lens culinaris) and watercress (Lepidium sativum)

Tractor 10E is an Alpha-cypermethrin based insecticide. It is one of the commonly used insecticides. The toxic effect of this product was assessed using the Lens culinaris (edible lentil) and Lepidium sativum (watercress) test. The seeds of Lens culinaris and Lepidium sativum were subjected to 6 increasing concentrations of Tractor 10E (25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800mg/l) and the control (distilled water). After 7 days, weight, root and stem development were measured. The results of the statistical study revealed the notable effect of this toxic product on growth, especially at high concentrations for the two species which are the subject of plant toxicity tests. Stem length growth is the most sensitive parameter. IC50 is equal to 136.99mg/l for lentil and 136.42mg/l for watercress. The results of this study reveal that this alpha-cypermethrin insecticide has the ability to alter the growth of plants as non-target organisms, which imposes the effective use and management of these toxicants and even replacing them with biopesticides to preserve human health and the environment.