PRJNA278148
Aminopyralid- Delta Junction and Palmer Soil Raw sequence reads
High latitude regions experience unique conditions that affect the degradation rate of agrochemicals in the environment. In this study, data collected from two field sites in Alaska (Palmer and Delta) were used to generate a kinetic model for aminopyralid and clopyralid degradation and to describe the microbial community response to herbicide exposure. Field plots were sprayed with herbicides and sampled over the summer of 2013. Quantification was performed via LC/MS-MS and microbial diversity assessed via next-generation sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. Our results indicate both compounds degraded rapidly between 0-28 d (t1/2 = 9.1-23.0 d), then degradation slowed thereafter through 90 d. Aminopyralid persisted at 0.048-0.120 µg/g 90 d post-application, while clopyralid degraded rapidly at the Palmer site but persisted in Delta at 0.046 µg/g. Microbial community diversity was moderately impacted by herbicide treatment, with the effect more pronounced at Delta. These data predict significant reductions in crop yield when sensitive plants (potatoes, tomatoes, marigolds, etc.) are rotated onto treated fields. Agricultural operations in high-latitude regions, both commercial and residential, rely heavily on cultivation of such crops and face significant adverse impacts.