Agrochemical Product Development Services | Charles River

plant metabolism studies 

Plant metabolism studies are conducted with radiolabelled test items both under glass and outdoor at our facilities in Lleida, Spain and the UK. On-site facilities in the UK include eight glasshouses, each with independent environmental control (heating, lighting and humidity, including air conditioning) and an area of arable land dedicated to radiolabelled confined plot studies. Meteorological data are sourced locally to support these studies.

Charles River has considerable experience in the conduct of plant metabolism studies. A wide variety of species has been successfully grown to maturity, including:

  • Cereals (wheat, barley, rice and maize)
  • Oilseed (rape/canola, cotton, olives, flax and sunflower)
  • Leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, cauliflower and cabbage)
  • Fruiting vegetables (tomato, cucumber, courgette and aubergine)
  • Root crops (potatoes, sugar beets, onions and carrots)
  • Legumes (peas, beans and soybeans)
  • Fruits (apples, lemons, oranges and strawberries)
  • Grapevine
  • Sugarcane
  • Tobacco


Plant metabolism studies involve the application of the radiolabelled test item (in the proposed commercial formulation) according to the intended use pattern and method. Samples are harvested at intervals between application and maturity to provide intermediate and final analysis points for information on the metabolic pathway and changes in residue levels.

Charles River has experience of studies with genetically resistant crops (e.g., maize, rape and soybean).

It has been our policy to establish optimum growing conditions for crop species for which our clients may have a future requirement. Such exploratory work ensures the integrity of the definitive study at no extra cost or obligation to the potential client.

Confined crop rotation studies and investigations into degradation during storage and processing are also conducted, as well as specialized studies such as pollen transfer.

For more information about our plant metabolism studies, contact us at 1.877.CRIVER.1 or askcharlesriver@crl.com.

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For more information, contact us at:

1.877.CRIVER.1 (1.877.274.8371)
askcharlesriver@crl.com

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