Adaptation of acute toxicity test for earthworms to studies of plant protection products and other chemical substances

The objective of the investigations was to determine acute toxicity of some plant protection products to earthworms. The OECD Guideline No 207 and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) were methodical bases of the studies. The test species was Eisenia fetida (Sav.). The tested preparations were introduced into artificial soil at concentrations of 62.5; 125; 250; 500 and 1000 mg kg dry weight of artificial soil. The test duration was 14 days. The animals were weighed following this time and alive animals were counted and observed. Taking into account the obtained results, the values of toxicity of pesticides: LC0, LC50 and LC100 were determined. It was found that influence of tested plant protection products on earthworms was diversified.