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ibacon’s bespoke facilities enable year-round environmental risk assessment of Non-Target Terrestrial Plants

28th October 2020

Carrying out environmental risk assessment testing on outdoor Non-Target Terrestrial Plants (NTTP) is something that is dependent on the season. In many regions around the world the testing of NTTP is restricted to the growing season.

At ibacon, our specially designed indoor plant growth rooms enable NTTP testing to be carried out throughout the year. These rooms boast the very latest equipment and offer optimal conditions in terms of light intensity and light quality, temperature and humidity. Light quality in particular is a sensitive factor in plant growth and our facilities use energy saving LED lamps to deliver the very best light quality.

Our highly experienced team has been performing plant tests for more than 20 years and has extensive experience across some 40 different plant species. Our three study directors come from biological and agricultural backgrounds and have been working on plant testing for decades. While their primary area of work is the testing of plant protection products, they also have broad experience with other product groups - including biocides, industrial chemicals and medicinal products for human and veterinary use.

Environmental risk assessments on NTTP require an analysis of the solutions that are either sprayed onto soil or plants or incorporated in the soil. The capabilities that we can offer in-house at ibacon allow us to undertake a wide range of analytical assessments in water and soil.

Studies that are routinely carried out include the testing of Seedling Emergence (OECD 208, OCSPP 850.4100), Vegetative Vigour (OECD 227, OCSPP 850.4150) and Effects on Succeeding Crops (EPPO PP 1/207(2)). In addition to the more routine work our experts also tailor test designs to particular client needs and situations. For example, we have tested manure spiked with veterinary medicinal products in order to assess its effect on plant emergence and growth; and we have also examined the effects of plastic degradation on plant growth.

Our work in assessing environmental risk supports and protects both humans and the environment. Through our rigorous testing processes Non-Target Terrestrial Plants growing in meadows, buffer strips and bordering biotopes are protected from chemicals, or concentrations of chemicals, that are not tolerated. People and biotops take advantage of it.

 

Want to know more about Non-Target Terrestrial Plants? Click on the download button below for more background information.