Toxicity and degradation of benefin in chicken embryos.

The herbicide formulation Flubalex (20% benefin) was applied, ROSS 308 embryonated hen eggs were treated on day 12 of incubation period. The pesticide was diluted in water to a concentration level of 3.0%, and the emulsion was injected into the air space in a volume of 0.1 ml/egg, or hen's eggs were treated by the immersion technique. Residues of benefin were measured in the samples on days 13, 15 and 19 of the incubation of chicken embryos, and morphological examinations were performed simultaneously. After the immersion treatment the mortality rate of embryos was remarkable compared to the injection treatment. Analytical chemistry data showed the concentration of the active ingredient which was 3.5 times higher on day 13 of incubation in the samples after immersion treatment than after the injection of benefin. This resulted an increased incidence rate of mortality. On day 19 of hatching period the benefin concentration was practically similar independently of treatment method. No macro- and microscopic alterations were seen.