Toxic Effect of Herbicide 2,4-D on the Earthworm Eutyphoeus waltoni Michaelsen

The toxicity of herbicide 2,4-D (2′-4′ dicholoro phynoxy acetic acid) was studied on earthworms in different combinations of biological wastes and different types of soils as feed materials under laboratory conditions. Eutyphoeus waltoni were exposed to different concentrations of 2,4-D (200, 300, 400, 450 mg/kg) in feed material (i.e., buffalo dung, wheat straw and gram bran) and different concentrations of 2,4-D (150, 300, 350, 400 mg/kg) in different types of soil (i.e., loamy soil, clay soil and sandy soil). Observations were recorded from 24 h up to 240 h. It was observed that the toxic effect of herbicide 2,4-D on the earthworm Eutyphoeus waltoni was both time and dose dependent. Maximum toxicity was observed in the sandy soil, whereas minimum in the feed material of buffalo dung with gram bran. There was no mortality observed in control. © 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.