Landlords and cultivators of watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) and several other types of melons ( Cucumis melo var. Cantalupensis, Cucumis melo var. Reticulatus, Cucumis melo var. Cucumis melo Inodorusvar, etc.) complained about soil degradation due to cultivation of melons without judicious use of pesticides. Conducting a field survey on the use of pesticides and the prevalence of pesticide residues in the soil of melon-cultivated areas, the study investigates the authenticity of such claims and figures out the actual reasons for such land degradation. The survey was carried out on 150 farmers from 30 villages in Kyaukse, Myitthar and Tada U Township in Mandalay division of Myanmar. The survey captures information on pesticide-related awareness, attitudes and practices and identifies possible health and environmental risks. The usage, storage and handling of pesticides by most of the respondents were found not safe, and knowledge on the adverse effects of pesticides on health, crops and the environment was found to be inadequate. The findings have indicated the potential risk of soil degradation. It appears that lack of cooperation among the government, non-governmental organisations (NGO), private sector stakeholders and farmers is the key weakness for improving agricultural practices adopted by farmers. Enhancing the awareness, changing the attitudes and improving the practices of the farmers regarding the use of pesticides may be the key step towards addressing this issue.
This study was aimed to determine the degradation potential of indigenous fungi isolated from glyphosate contaminated soil. A total number of 10 fungal strains have been isolated and screened their tolerance level against various concentrations of glyphosate (200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm).These strains were also screened for laccase activity. Only two strains 5p and 6m showed laccase activity and they are characterized, identified and selected for mycoremediation experiment. Due to its macro-and microscopic morphology of mycelia and the molecular similarity, the isolate 5p was identified as Trichoderma harzianum and the isolate 6m as Aspergillus Aiger. 1000ppm of Glyphosate disappeared rapidly in mineral salt liquid media by T.harzianum 78.1% and A.niger 87.3%. Glyphosate almost disappeared by T. harzianum 67.1 % and A. niger 67.2% in the water medium. Based on present findings, these fungal strains can be recommended as potentially effective to protect the environment from the herbicide residues.
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