IMPACT OF AZADIRACHTIN ON GLOMUS INTRARADICES AND VESICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA IN ROOT INDUCING TRANSFERRED DNA TRANSFORMED ROOTS OF DAUCUS-CAROTA

The impact of azadirachtin, neem extracts, and their products, Eneem 3 G and Neemix(R) 4.5E, on the symbiotic vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza l fungus Glomus intraradices was assessed by short-term subacute toxic ity tests using root inducing transferred DNA (Ri T-DNA) transformed r oots of Daucus carota as the host in the minimal medium system. The co ncentration causing 50% inhibition of growth and development was deter mined, and effects of these test materials on carrot roots and coloniz ation by G. intraradices were also evaluated. The inhibitory effect of azadirachtin and neem compounds was compared with that of several ref erence pesticides (benomyl, chlorothalonil, copper sulfate, dimethoate , glyphosate, and its metabolite aminomethyl-phosphonic acid). Azadira chtin, neem extracts, Eneem 3G, and Neemix 4.5E, including their carri ers and solvents, have low shea-term toxicity to G. intraradices when compared with reference pesticides. As well, neither D. carota nor the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization was affected by these c ompounds. The potential ecotoxicological impact of azadirachtin, a new botanical insecticide, on the terrestrial environment is evaluated an d discussed.