Effect of root-zone glyphosate exposure on growth and anthocyanins content of radish seedlings

The response of radish seedlings (Raphanus sativus L. subvar. radicula Pers.), as non-target plant, to various doses of glyphosate applied to root zone was studied in the experiment. The glyphosate was used at concentrations 0.1, 0.5 and 2.0 mM, and the study was conducted on seedlings grown in hydroponic cultures in controlled light and temperature conditions. In the experiment, roots of seedlings were exposed to glyphosate for 4, 7 or 14 days. In order to evaluate the effect of glyphosate, length and biomass of the seedling organs, as well as contents of anthocyanins in hypocotyls and cotyledons have been measured. Glyphosate applied to root zone had considerably higher impact on the growth of the primary root than shoot of radish seedlings. Short-term exposure to glyphosate led to the stimulation of growth and biomass organs of the radish seedling, but such treatment had no effect on the contents of anthocyanins in the cotyledons and hypocotyl. However, after longer exposure to glyphosate a decrease of anthocyanins content in the hypocotyl and its increase in the cotyledons was noted