What is clethodim?

About clethodim: 

• It is an oxime O-ether resulting from the formal conversion of the acyclic keto group of oxime with chloroallyl group.
• It is used as herbicide that is used to control annual and perennial grasses.
• It is highly soluble in water and has a low volatility.
• It tends not to be persistent in soil or aquatic systems.
• It is moderately toxic to birds, fish, aquatic plants, honeybees and earthworms but is less toxic to aquatic invertebrates and algae.
• It is moderately toxic to mammals and while it is a skin irritant no evidence of it causing more serious health effects have been found.
• Effects on human health
  • Exposure to this herbicide will impact male reproductive function and early embryonic development.
  • Also it causes reduction in testicular weight, a decrease in germ cell population, lower levels of serum testosterone, abnormalities in sperm, and compromised pre-implantation embryo development.

Q1) What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development and functioning of male reproductive tissues and the promotion of secondary sexual characteristics in males. It belongs to a class of hormones known as androgens and is primarily produced in the testes in males.

Source: A silent threat to male reproductive health: New study raises concerns on the use of common herbicide clethodim