Journal of Biology and Nature

Acute toxicity of the pesticide Coragen (active ingredient) chlorantraniliprole (18.5%) was assessed on the earthworm species (Eisenia fetida), a recognized bioindicator species, using two complementary approaches. Earthworms were exposed to increasing concentrations of the pesticide (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 µL in 2 mL distilled water), and their behavioral and physiological responses were recorded over a 24-hour period. Observations revealed a clear dose-dependent pattern of toxicity, including coiling, discoloration, secretion of coelomic fluid, and immobilization, with no mortality observed. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was subsequently extracted from coelomic fluid and subjected to gel electrophoresis to assess genotoxic effects. The electrophoretic profiles showed progressive DNA degradation with increasing pesticide concentration, ranging from intact high-molecular-weight bands in control samples to extensive smearing at higher doses, indicating significant genomic damage. The results suggested chlorantraniliprole at low concentrations induce behavioral stress and genotoxicity in E. fetida. This study underscores the relevance of earthworm-based assays for early detection of pesticide-induced soil contamination and recommends incorporating molecular markers in ecotoxicological assessments to evaluate the environmental safety of agrochemicals.