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Urbanization in tropical landscapes is a complex phenomenon that can lead to community shifts rather than simple species extinction in response to multiple stressors in peri-urban and urban settings. We have investigated the impacts of different stressors along a tropical urban-peri-urban gradient on the bee community, the health of which is a global conservation concern. Several stressors such as increased built-up area, pesticide application and air pollution may effectively regulate bee community composition and corresponding functional diversity along urban-peri urban gradients. We investigated the changes in bee community structure in response to associated stressors in 20 locations including parks and gardens along an urban-peri-urban gradient surrounding the megacity of Kolkata. Bee community structure differed significantly between urban and peri-urban sites with urban sites showing lower value of nestedness. Network analysis also revealed that Apis florea and Lasioglosssum sp. 1 were the most important species in the urban and peri-urban areas respectively, as they had the highest values in bee-site network parameters. Functional diversity increased with urbanization and decreased with pesticide toxicity. Functional redundancy decreased with urbanization. Individual stressors impacted the bee assemblage differentially along the urbanization gradient. SO2 and pesticide toxicity negatively influenced bee abundance and diversity. Urban sites sustained more specialized species and therefore are more vulnerable to shocks while peri-urban sites had a more functionally redundant community making it comparatively more resilient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the convergence of pesticide toxicity with caste inequalities and the lingering legacies of colonialism on cardamom plantations in the Cardamom Hills, India. Known for its fragrance and flavour, Indian small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is the third most expensive spice on the international market. The mystic allure that is attributed to cardamom by the spice industry conceals how it is produced on a toxified terrain and by labouring female bodies tortured by toxic chemicals, marshalled through an exploitative socioeconomic system. This article brings the literature on toxicity in conversation with the epistemologies of the concept of the Plantationocene in order to explain the toxic worldings inside twenty-first-century plantations. In doing so, the article argues that pesticide toxicity should be read in the light of colonialism, social inequalities and the disparities in global regulations on pesticide production, trade and consumption.

Organophosphate pesticides such as malathion are the most widely used pesticides. Despite endocrine-disrupting effects, there is a paucity of information regarding chronic exposure to non-persistent organopesticides such as malathion. The purpose of this study is to describe the exposure burden among U.S. residents as well as possible impacts on fertility. Population-based data collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2015 and 2016 were used to perform a retrospective analysis on urinary concentrations of malathion diacid. Samples were assessed from 1703 adult participants, statistically weighted to represent over 231 million individuals. General linear models were used to examine associations between exposure and reproductive health measures among pre-menopausal women. Detectable concentrations of malathion diacid were identified in 16.1 % (n = 254) of samples. Concentrations were higher among women who reported seeing a physician due to difficulties becoming pregnant (P < 0.001; r2 = 0.12) as well as among women who reported trying for at least a year to become pregnant (P < 0.001; r2 = 0.06). Exposure to malathion is associated with a history of reproductive health challenges among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding farmers' protective behavior in the use of pesticides as well as inter-related factors affecting behavior is essential for improving safety in farming. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the levels of personal protection of farmers during pesticide handling, along with knowledge and perception of risks by pesticides, frequency of poisoning experience, use of information, and their effects on safety behavior in rural Iran. Forty-six percent (46.0%) of the farmers reported totally unsafe behavior in pesticide handling, with poor use of protective gear, and 20.0% reported potentially unsafe behavior, with only occasional use of protective gear. Training in pesticide use and integrated pest management (IPM) education promoted the use of protective gear. Almost half of the farmers (49.4%) reported some kind of pesticide poisoning experience, with dizziness being the most common symptom. On a five point scale (1–5), farmers had low knowledge of pesticide risk (mean = 2.75) and moderate perception of pesticide risk (mean = 3.26). Similarly, the use of information was low (mean = 2.10), with pesticide retailers being the most popular source of farmers' information. Structural equation modeling showed that risk knowledge was positively associated with risk perception. These two variables along with poisoning experience and use of information described 85% of the variability in farmers' use of protective gear, highlighting the inter-connection of those variables and their crucial role in the protective behavior of farmers during chemical spraying. In conclusion, improving farmers' knowledge of pesticide risk through better information is crucial for promoting farmers' protective behavior in pesticide use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global pesticide complex has transformed over the past two decades, but social science research has not kept pace. The rise of an enormous generics sector, shifts in geographies of pesticide production, and dynamics of agrarian change have led to more pesticide use, expanding to farm systems that hitherto used few such inputs. Declining effectiveness due to pesticide resistance and anemic institutional support for non-chemical alternatives also have driven intensification in conventional systems. As an inter-disciplinary network of pesticide scholars, we seek to renew the social science research agenda on pesticides to better understand this suite of contemporary changes. To identify research priorities, challenges, and opportunities, we develop the pesticide complex as a heuristic device to highlight the reciprocal and iterative interactions among agricultural practice, the agrochemical industry, civil society-shaped regulatory actions, and contested knowledge of toxicity. Ultimately, collaborations among social scientists and across the social and biophysical sciences can illuminate recent transformations and their uneven socioecological effects. A reinvigorated critical scholarship that embraces the multifaceted nature of pesticides can identify the social and ecological constraints that drive pesticide use and support alternatives to chemically driven industrial agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In politics and society, organic farming is widely seen as the ideal way to address the many challenges facing agriculture and food security. In order to examine the extent to which this view is realistic, the impact of organic and conventional farming is compared on the basis of relevant criteria such as land requirements, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, food quality, production and environmental costs, reduced meat consumption, the need for agricultural imports and the global expansion of arable land. Land is considered to be a central factor. Such a comprehensive analysis is necessary to assess the impact of different influencing factors and to provide important suggestions for targeted decision making. Although organic farming has a positive impact on land use in many ways, it quickly reaches its limits. The low yields and high production costs resulting from the limited choice of means of production make organic farming an unsuitable model for the future in a world with limited arable land, a high and growing demand for food, and low incomes for large sections of the population. It can, however, provide significant impetus and contribute important technological knowledge for the further development of agriculture as a whole to meet the complex objectives of sustainability, greenhouse gas mitigation, biodiversity and global food security by incorporating all available technologies. Based on this, a model for responsible, sustainable intensive agriculture is outlined and proposals for an eco-social framework to support this model are put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cypermethrin is a broad-spectrum pesticide commonly used in agricultural, veterinary and household applications. Cypermethrin, being a neurotoxic agent and due to its hydrophobic structure, may cause tissue and organ damage by stimulating oxidation in cells and increasing reactive oxygen species. It has a detrimental effect on the immune system and promote inflammation by producing cytokines. The harmful effects of cypermethrin may be alleviated by the intracellular defense system that reduces ROS. Chrysin, a flavonoid, commonly found in vegetables, propolis, honey, fruits and mushrooms, is known to possess antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic properties. It provides protection against disease and toxicity through various mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of chrysin against oxidative damage in rats exposed to cypermethrin. There is no research on the response of chrysin to the toxicity of cypermethrin in mammals and whether it can be used among treatment options or as a supplement to treatment. A total of thirty 6-8 week old male Wistar albino rats, each weighing 190-240 g, were used and divided into six equal groups, randomly. The groups were formed as control (Gr.I), cypermethrin (25 mg/kg body wt.) (Gr.II), cypermethrin (25 mg/kg body wt.) plus chrysin (50 and 100 mg/kg body wt.) (Gr. III & IV, respectively); and chrysin (50 and 100 mg/kg body wt.) (gr. V & VI, respectively). The indicated doses were given orally for 10 days. Cypermethrin and chrysin were given to the animals alone and together within the specified groups. In blood/tissue samples (brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung and testis), lipid peroxidation/oxidative stress parameters (MDA, NO, CAT, SOD, GSH and GSH-Px) and serum biochemicals (AST and ALT) and inflammatory parameters (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) were evaluated. When a general evaluation is made, compared to the control group, cypermethrin considerably increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, ALT, AST in serum and MDA and NO in tissues/plasma, while significantly decreasing the levels/activities of SOD, CAT, GSH and GSH-Px in tissues/erythrocytes (P <0.05). On the other hand, in the groups co-administered with cypermethrin and chrysin, recovery changes were observed in antioxidant status/lipid peroxidation values, and serum biochemical parameters, similar to the control group. Results of this study suggest that chrysin may prevent oxidative damage and inflammation via supporting antioxidants and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in cypermethrin-exposed rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide toxicity has been a major concern in the recent time. Higher concentrations of pesticides affect the organisms and environmental health. The present study aims to assess the toxicological effect of some commonly used pesticides in southwest Nagaland of India and their impact on the physiology of Phaseolus vulgaris and Pisum sativum along with their correlation to health hazards. The study area is a hilly region where the overall temperature ranges in between 2 °C and 35 °C. The annual rainfall received in the region is between 1000 and 2000 mm. The region shares a subtropical to tropical climate. Agriculture is the main activity of the region. Seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris and Pisum sativum were collected from the local market and sterilized with 2 % sodium hypochlorite for 15 min. The solution of monocrotophos, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, dichlorvos, and cypermethrin was prepared with 1 ppm, 10 ppm, 50 ppm, and 100 ppm concentrations. The seeds were soaked for 24 h in the test solutions and kept uniformly in sterilized petri dishes in 10 ml of test solutions. For every experiment, three replicates of each sample were taken including the control. The control sample was run with tap water. For each replica 10 seeds were taken, so one sample contained 30 seeds. The seeds of the above two vegetable species were treated with these pesticides and analyzed for germination rate, phytotoxicity, dry biomass, and seedling vigor index. The result has shown the negative impact of higher concentrations of pesticides on plant physiology. A questionnaire and interview-based field survey were also conducted among the users to find out exposure-related health hazards of pesticides. The average time utilized for a single interview was 30 min. According to the self-assessed reports of 323 pesticide users, 17 physical disorders were recorded from the study. Eye irritation (49.12), excessive sweating (46.68), and excessive tiredness were some of the highly observed signs and symptoms among the users. For the statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the biomass production in radicle and plumule of the studied species was done with OriginPro 8.5 software. A chi-square (χ2) test was performed at the significance level of 5 % for the comparative study among male and female farmers for exposure-related disorders. The correlation analysis was done with MS-EXCEL software. A coefficient correlation value of 0.54 was recorded, which indicates a positive correlation between the studied factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication provides blueberry growers strategies for choosing and applying fungicides and insecticides during bloom so as to minimize harm to pollinators. Insect pollinators, particularly wild and managed bees, are necessary to achieve adequate fruit set in blueberries. Without insect pollinators, berries may form, but they will be significantly smaller and misshapen and will take longer to ripen than bee-pollinated berries. Managed bees, wild bees, and other insect pollinators are susceptible to pesticides, especially when applied during bloom when pollinators are foraging in blueberry fields. Growers thus must balance disease and pest protection with pollinator protection. This publication provides information on the toxicity to pollinators and residual activity of insecticides and fungicides used during blueberry bloom, and strategies for minimizing pollinator exposure.

Spiders are the most abundant naturally occurring predators in vineyards and play a crucial role in natural pest control. However, vineyards are frequently sprayed with fungicides, which can harm spider communities. Fungus-resistant grape varieties can drastically reduce this fungicide input. The spiders on grape vines that were sprayed with a variable number of fungicide applications in 32 vineyards in different landscapes in Southwestern Germany were recorded. Vineyards received between 0 and 14 fungicidal sprays of varying toxicity (cumulated hazard quotients for honeybee up to 6). The majority of spiders benefited from a reduction in the number fungicide sprays, particularly Dictynidae, Philodromidae, Theridiidae and Thomisidae. Overall, space web weavers, orb web weavers and ambush hunters were most strongly affected by the frequency and toxicity of fungicide applications. The response of spiders to the landscape were highly variable and included both positive and negative effects of the percentage cover of woodland. In conclusion, reducing the cumulative hazard of fungicides by reducing the number of fungicide applications is a key element in fostering spiders in vineyards.

Spiders are the most abundant naturally occurring predators in vineyards and play a crucial role in natural pest control. However, vineyards are frequently sprayed with fungicides, which can harm spider communities. Fungus-resistant grape varieties can drastically reduce this fungicide input. The spiders on grape vines that were sprayed with a variable number of fungicide applications in 32 vineyards in different landscapes in Southwestern Germany were recorded. Vineyards received between 0 and 14 fungicidal sprays of varying toxicity (cumulated hazard quotients for honeybee up to 6). The majority of spiders benefited from a reduction in the number fungicide sprays, particularly Dictynidae, Philodromidae, Theridiidae and Thomisidae. Overall, space web weavers, orb web weavers and ambush hunters were most strongly affected by the frequency and toxicity of fungicide applications. The response of spiders to the landscape were highly variable and included both positive and negative effects of the percentage cover of woodland. In conclusion, reducing the cumulative hazard of fungicides by reducing the number of fungicide applications is a key element in fostering spiders in vineyards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The toxicity of four insecticides and one fungicide commonly applied in German (European) vineyards was evaluated on pupae and adults of the parasitoids Anagyrus vladimiri and Trichogramma evanescens. The insecticides lambda-cyhalothrin, flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and cyantraniliprole and the fungicide spiroxamine did not significantly affect the development of the pupal stage inside mealybug mummies or the emergence of the parasitoid A. vladimiri. The highest mortality percentages of emerged A. vladimiri parasitoids were induced by flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, or spiroxamine. All pesticides, except cyantraniliprole, significantly affected the development of the pupal stage and the emergence of the parasitoid T. evanescens. Regarding direct contact toxicity, the highest percentages (100%) of A. vladimiri adult parasitoid mortality were obtained in the flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and spiroxamine treatments (all three classified as harmful), while the lowest mortality percentages were observed in lambda-cyhalothrin and cyantraniliprole (both classified as slightly harmful). The highest percentages (100%) of adult T. evanescens mortality were found in the flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and spiroxamine treatments, while the lowest mortality percentages were observed in lambda-cyhalothrin and cyantraniliprole treatments. Risk assessments of chemical pesticides toward natural enemies are crucial for ensuring sustainable grapevine-integrated pest management. In this context, laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the toxicity of four insecticides (lambda-cyhalothrin, flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and cyantraniliprole) and one fungicide (spiroxamine) commonly applied in German (European) vineyards on the pupae and adults of both Anagyrus vladimiri, a parasitoid of the vine mealybug Planococcus ficus, and Trichogramma evanescens, a parasitoid of the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana. The tested pesticides did not significantly affect the development of the pupal stage inside mealybug mummies or the emergence of the parasitoid A. vladimiri. The pesticides flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and spiroxamine resulted in the highest mortality percentages for all emerged A. vladimiri parasitoids at 8 and 10 days after treatment compared with either in lambda-cyhalothrin or cyantraniliprole. However, all pesticides, except the diamide insecticide cyantraniliprole, significantly affected the development of the pupal stage and the emergence of the parasitoid T. evanescens. The percentages of T. evanescens emergence following the application of the fungicide spiroxamine or either lambda-cyhalothrin or flupyradifurone were significantly higher than those observed in the acetamiprid treatment. Regarding direct contact toxicity, the highest percentages (100%) of A. vladimiri adult parasitoid mortality were obtained in the flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and spiroxamine treatments, while the lowest mortality percentages were observed in lambda-cyhalothrin, cyantraniliprole, and untreated control treatments. According to the IOBC classes of toxicity, flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and spiroxamine were classified as harmful, while both lambda-cyhalothrin and cyantraniliprole were classified as slightly harmful to A. vladimiri adults. As such, all pesticides had a significant impact on the survival of exposed T. evanescens adults. The highest percentages of adult T. evanescens mortality were obtained in the flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and spiroxamine treatments, with the fungicide spiroxamine resulting in significantly higher mortality percentages than either flupyradifurone or acetamiprid, while the lowest mortality percentages were found in the lambda-cyhalothrin and cyantraniliprole treatments. Therefore, applying the insecticides acetamiprid and/or flupyradifurone and the fungicide spiroxamine should be avoided when A. vladimiri and/or T. evanescens are naturally present or released in grapes. The insights gained from these two easy-to-rear parasitoid species allow analogous conclusions to be drawn for closely related species in vineyards belonging to either family Encyrtidae or Trichogrammatidae, which are not easy to rear. Interestingly, using the safer insecticides lambda-cyhalothrin and/or cyantraniliprole could be compatible with both parasitoid species, which could be sustainably exploited in either conservation or augmentative biological control in vineyards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using herbicides is a time-saving technology that could increase crop productivity, revenue, and food security among resource-constrained farmers in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. However, the land sizes are small and pose a big question as to whether it is economical to embrace the technology. Again, if not used well, these products could be harmful to humans and other non-targeted organisms that significantly contribute to the well-being of the ecosystem. This review, therefore, explores the potential benefits of widespread herbicide adoption in the region. Also, the study investigates the potential crop and environmental risks that may arise from the improper use of herbicides and highlights the importance of implementing mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable and responsible herbicide usage in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding farmers’ preferences and behaviors in pesticide handling is essential for promoting sustainable chemical pest management practices that protect both the health of farmers and the ecosystem. The aim of this work was to fill the knowledge gap in farmers’ behaviors when using pesticides by addressing whether farmers would prefer to use lower risk pesticides for the management of the most common pests in their crops. Data were gathered with face-to-face interviews from a farmers’ survey in northern Greece. Almost three quarters (76%) of the farmers noted that they would prefer to use all available pesticides for the management of the most common pests of their crops, while only 24% stated they would prefer to use lower risk pesticides. Elderly and large-scale farmers were not willing to use lower risk pesticides. By contrast, educated farmers and those who applied pesticides more frequently (high number of applications) were found more willing to use lower risk pesticides. Finally, the probability of using lower risk pesticides increased significantly in trained farmers, in farmers with high perception of risk, and in farmers who cared to be informed about pesticides. Logistic regression indicated that previous training on pesticide handling, high perception of pesticide hazard, and upper secondary education positively influenced (P < 0.05) farmers’ willingness to use lower risk pesticides on their farms. On the contrary, age, primary education, and number of pesticide applications in a season (less than 3) showed a negative relationship (P < 0.05) with farmers’ willingness to use lower risk pesticides on their farms. Training in the correct use of pesticides is a basic pillar of safety in pesticide use and can improve farmers’ willingness to use lower risk pesticides.

AbstractPesticides are considered a risk to pollinators; however, little is known about the possible effects of their injudicious use on pollinators, including the ecosystem services provided to crops and wildflowers. Recently, great attention has been paid to the effects of neonicotinoids pesticides on pollinators and their potential role in harming the health of bees all over the world. Sunflowers, being self-incompatible plants, rely on insects, primarily bees, for effective cross-pollination and successful seed-set. Ensuring the presence of sufficient pollinators in the field is crucial for facilitating pollen movement between flowers and promoting optimal seed development. However, the reliance on insect-mediated cross-pollination also makes sunflowers susceptible to pest attacks, which can negatively impact seed production. To mitigate these potential threats and achieve increased seed yields, careful consideration is given to the judicious use of pesticides. Striking the right balance between providing adequate pollinators and implementing appropriate pest management strategies is vital for maximizing sunflower crop productivity. To reveal such potential impacts of neonicotinoid insecticides, we undergo the current study that aimed to estimate flower visitation and pollination in a sunflower crop by applying three neonicotinoid insecticides i.e. imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam, including the control group for two years i.e. 2020, and 2021. In all experimental plots, we quantified floral visitors for fourteen days at three different times (8 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm). Floral visitors were divided into three groups, Apis bees, Non-Apis bees, and butterflies. After the maturation period, the achenes from each capitulum were separated and brought for weight. We discovered that this study confirmed the adverse effect of neonicotinoids pesticides on sunflower production.Our research revealed that the use of imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam had a negative impact on the visitation of Apis bees, with reductions of 19%, 18.5%, and 23% respectively, as compared to the control group during the year 2020. Furthermore, these pesticides also caused a decrease in the visitation of Non-Apis bees by 15%, 15%, and 17% respectively. The visitation of butterflies was also affected, with reductions of 17.4%, 14.6%, and 15.8% for imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam respectively. Based on our research conducted in the year 2021, the use of imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam caused a reduction of 22.5%, 24%, and 25.5% respectively in the visitation of Apis bees, as compared to the control group. Similarly, non-Apis bees experienced a decrease in visitation by 19.5%, 23.5%, and 25% respectively for imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam, compared to the control group. The visitation of butterflies was also affected, with reductions of 18.2%, 22.2%, and 26% respectively for imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam, compared to the control group. Our findings suggest that the use of these pesticides affected the diversity of floral visitors and contributed to a decline in the number of fruit during the year 2020 and 2021.Moreover, the abundance of floral visitors, the mass of fruits, and the quantity of oil in the seeds were significantly lower after treatment with neonicotinoid pesticides, thus evidencing its negative effect on sunflower productivity. [Figure: see text]

Etridiazole (EDZ) is a thiadiazole-containing fungicide commonly used to control Pythium and Phytophthora spp. Although previous studies have shown that EDZ is teratogenic, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying its toxicity remain unknown. In this study, a zebrafish (Danio rerio; ZF) model was used to explore the molecular pathways associated with EDZ toxicity. The whole transcriptome of ZF embryos exposed to 96 h of EDZ was analyzed, along with developmental abnormalities. EDZ-induced malformations were primarily related to the eyes, heart, and growth of the ZF. Compared to untreated ZF, etridiazole-treated ZF had 2882 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), consisting of 1651 downregulated genes and 1231 upregulated genes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were involved in biological processes, such as sensory perception, visual perception, sensory organ development, and visual system development, and showed transmembrane transporter and peptidase regulator activities. Metabolism, phototransduction, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and vascular smooth muscle contraction were among the most enriched KEGG pathways. The qPCR analyses of the eight random genes were in good agreement with the transcriptome data. These results suggest several putative mechanisms underlying EDZ-induced developmental deformities in ZF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative structure-property/activity relationships (QSPRs/QSARs) are a tool of modern theoretical and computational chemistry. The self-consistent model system is both a method to build up a group of QSPR/QSAR models and an approach to checking the reliability of these models. Here, a group of models of pesticide toxicity toward Daphnia magna for different distributions into training and test sub-sets is compared. This comparison is the basis for formulating the system of self-consistent models. The so-called index of the ideality of correlation (IIC) has been used to improve the above models' predictive potential of pesticide toxicity. The predictive potential of the suggested models should be classified as high since the average value of the determination coefficient for the validation sets is 0.841, and the dispersion is 0.033 (on all five models). The best model (number 4) has an average determination coefficient of 0.89 for the external validation sets (related to all five splits). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Pesticides are considered main contributors to global arthropod declines and therefore may decrease the provision of ecosystem services such as natural pest control. Organic farming and cultivating pest‐ and disease‐resistant varieties can allow pesticide applications and their impacts on nontarget organisms and the environment to be reduced. We investigated the effects of organic versus conventional management and fungus‐resistant versus susceptible wine grape varieties on arthropod biodiversity and pest control of grape berry moths in 32 vineyards in the Palatinate region, Germany. Hazard quotients of applied pesticides were calculated for each vineyard. RESULTS: The cultivation of fungus‐resistant varieties led to significantly reduced hazard quotients and in turn enhanced abundances of natural enemies, particularly theridiid and philodromid spiders. Unexpectedly, organic management resulted in higher hazard quotients than conventional management and reduced numbers of natural enemies, particularly earwigs. Pest predation rates showed no significant differences between grape varieties or management types. CONCLUSION: Widespread benefits of organic management on arthropod biodiversity found in other crops were absent in our viticultural study region. This is likely due to the dominant role of fungal diseases in viticulture, which requires high numbers of fungicide treatments under both conventional and organic viticulture. Thus, fungicide reduction through the cultivation of fungus‐resistant grape varieties is one key element to fostering the abundance of arthropods in general and beneficial arthropods in particular. Beyond vineyards, this is potentially relevant in numerous other crop types. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stream ecosystems are highly vulnerable to changes in land use and vegetation in their catchments for two reasons: firstly, they receive inputs of nutrients, contaminants and sediments through runoff; and secondly, terrestrial leaf litter is the major basal resource supporting their food webs. Leaf litter decomposition by microorganisms and detritivores is thus a key stream ecosystem process, and a valuable functional indicator of impacts associated to agriculture and other alterations of human origin. Here, we investigated the joint effects of land use changes associated to agriculture (low, medium and high intervention areas: LI, MI and HI, respectively) in a tropical lowland catchment in Panama, through a decomposition experiment using three leaf litter types differing in nativeness (Ficus insipida, native to the study area; Alnus acuminata, native to Panama but not present in the study area; and Musa balbisiana, exotic to Panama). Lowland tropical areas are often poor in litter-consuming detritivores, and we accordingly observed a high contribution of microorganisms to total decomposition (>60% on average). However, only in the presence of detritivores, decomposition of Alnus discriminated among different degrees of agricultural intervention, being higher at the LI area. Leaf litter of the native Ficus showed higher microbial decomposition than the other types, possibly in relation to a home-field advantage effect. Despite the scarcity of detritivores in tropical lowland streams compared to tropical highland or temperate streams, our study indicates that their activity reflects impacts of land use change on these streams and they should therefore be included in assessments of anthropogenic impacts.

Pesticides kill neurons, but the mechanism leading to selective dopaminergic loss in Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown. Understanding the pesticide's effect on dopaminergic neurons (DA) can help to screen and treat PD. The critical uptake of pesticides by the membrane receptors at DA is hypothesized to activate a signaling cascade and accelerate degeneration. Using MPTP as a reference, we demonstrate the mechanisms of eleven crucial pesticides through molecular docking, protein networks, regulatory pathways, and prioritization of key pesticide-regulating proteins. Participants were recruited and grouped into control and PD based on clinical characteristics as well as pesticide traces in their blood plasma. Then, qPCR was used to measure pesticide-associated gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells between groups. As a result of molecular docking, all eleven pesticides and the MPTP showed high binding efficiency against 274 membrane receptor proteins of DA. Further, the protein interaction networks showed activation of multiple signaling cascades through these receptors. Subsequent analysis revealed 31 biological pathways shared by all 11pesticides and MPTP that were overrepresented by 46 crucial proteins. Among these, CTNNB1, NDUFS6, and CAV1 were prioritized to show a significant change in gene expression in pesticide-exposed PD which guides toward therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) has become an increasing threat to the cultivation of prickly pear crops in Morocco. To control this harmful insect scale pest, biological control is usually accompanied by chemical control applications. In this context, the use of some insecticides can alter the numerical response of beneficial organisms (predators) associated with this cochineal. In this study, we investigated the effect of the residues of some insecticides «(d-limonene (60 g/L) applied at 100 mL/hL, mineral oil (780 g/L) at 2000 mL/hL, potassium salts of fatty acid (500 g/L) at 40 mL/hL, pyriproxyfen (100 g/L) at 25 mL/hL, and potassium salts of fatty acid (C7-C18) (500 g/L) at 300 mL/hL)» on the numerical response of Cryptolameus montrouzieri (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) feeding on D. opuntiae females under laboratory conditions. The sublethal concentration residues of all tested insecticides did not have lethal effects on Cryptolaemus montrouzieri females. D-limonene (Efficiency of Conversion of Ingested food (E.C.I) = 1371.85), mineral oil (E.C.I = 1383.06), potassium salts of fatty acid (E.C.I = 1583.24), and pyriproxyfen (E.C.I = 987.13) were the most compatible with the predator C. montrouzieri, as they did not significantly affect the number of eggs laid by the females compared to the untreated control. Potassium salt of fatty acid (C7–C18) (500 g/L) (E.C.I = 905.93) was the least compatible with C. montrouzieri, as it led to a significant reduction in the number of eggs laid by predatory females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical pesticides, while playing an important role in the suppression of insect pests, should be used in a manner that minimizes negative effects on natural enemies. The parasitoid, Anagyrus vladimiri Triapitsyn (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), plays an important role in the management of mealybug pests of citrus groves in the Mediterranean region. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of commonly used acaricides (Spirodiclofen, Spirotetramat, Sulfur, Fenpyroximate, Abamectin) and mineral oils (Levanola, EOS, JMS, and Ultrapaz) on acute mortality of A. vladimiri. Toxicity was assessed in 4 cases: (i) direct spray application on adults, (ii) pesticide application on the mummified host, (iii) feeding with contaminated food, and (iv) contact with pesticide residue. The pesticide Abamectin, applied alone and with Levanola oil was highly toxic to adults in all bioassays, with the exception of direct spray application on the mummified host. Fenpyroximate was found to be highly toxic only when sprayed directly on adults, and sulfur was slightly harmful. Mineral oils were harmful when ingested with food; otherwise, they did not cause appreciable adult mortality. The findings of the present study suggest that all tested materials, with the exception of Abamectin and Fenpyroximate, are compatible with the survival of A. vladimiri. Direct ingestion of oils can, however, cause a degree of mortality. Given that indiscriminate use of these pesticides may affect the population ecology of A. vladimiri , they should be used with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Thiram is a widely used fungicide, yet studies have shown that it has hazardous effects on animals, including fish. We performed developmental and transcriptome analyses of thiram-exposed zebrafish embryos to further understand thiram toxicity. Thiram-exposed embryos exhibited several developmental abnormalities. Transcriptome analysis revealed 1754 differentially expressed genes associated with thiram exposure when compared to controls. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of thiram-treated samples highlighted reproduction-related pathways. The current findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms through which thiram exerts developmental and reproductive toxicity in zebrafish. Thiram, a dithiocarbamate fungicide, is used for the treatment of various fungal infections affecting crops and ornamentals. However, thiram-associated toxicity has been reported in animals, including fish, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Herein, we employed zebrafish (ZF) to gain further insights into thiram toxicity-associated molecular mechanisms. We studied developmental abnormalities and performed whole-transcriptome analysis of ZF embryos exposed to thiram for 96 h. Embryos exposed to 4.0 μg/L thiram exhibited several phenotypic abnormalities, including bradycardia, spinal curvature, hatching arrest, and growth retardation. Whole-transcriptome analysis revealed 1754 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 512 upregulated and 1242 downregulated DEGs. The majority of biological processes affected by thiram were metabolic. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis yielded terms related to reproduction, such as steroid biosynthesis and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction validation results were in line with sequencing data for ten DEGs. The study results improve our current understanding of the effects of thiram exposure in ZF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binding to acetylcholinesterase (AChE k1) may cause toxic effects in humans. Organophosphates simultaneously are both dangerous and useful substances. Dangerous since they are employed in chemical warfare and useful when they are applied as pesticides. Here, we suggest the models for organophosphates binding to AChE k1 developed via representing the molecular structure by a simplified molecular input-line entry system using so-called optimal descriptors calculated with the Monte Carlo technique using the Correlation and Logic (CORAL) free software available on the Internet (). Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) serve to develop predictive models for organophosphates. The predictive potential of these models is quite good: the determination coefficient for the validation set ranged from 0.87 to 0.90. These models were built up according to the principle 'QSARs is a random event', that is, predictive potential of an approach should be checked up with several splits of available data into the training and test sets. The special scheme of mechanistic interpretation definition is represented. The mechanistic interpretation is based on probabilities of molecular features to be in the sub-group of promoters of increase for endpoint or in sub-group of promoters of it is decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns about food safety issues have put considerable pressure on pesticide producers in Europe and worldwide to reduce the levels of pesticide residues in food. The aim of this work is to assess the use of traditional pesticides and their effects, to present perspectives in this field and to identify regulatory needs for their use and implementation. The work is based on a systematic review in which the research problem was defined, primary sources were selected and critically appraised, data were collected, analysed and evaluated, and conclusions were formulated. The state of the pesticide market and the current legal requirements for risk assessment in relation to exposure to chemical substances were reviewed. Food safety issues are presented through the prism of pesticide residues in food. Their widespread use and considerable persistence have made them ubiquitous in the natural environment and their residues pose a threat to the environment and to human and animal health. It has been shown that the most important factor influencing the search for new tools to control diseases and pests of crops is the progressive development of resistance of these populations to currently used pesticides. Various alternatives to the phasing out of synthetic pesticides in the form of natural products are therefore being developed to support the development of the natural products market. Natural phytotoxins can be used as herbicides, but it is more effective to use bioherbicides as templates for synthetic herbicides. They can also be used to discover new modes of action and molecular targets for future herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk assessments of chemical pesticides toward natural enemies are crucial for ensuring sustainable grapevine-integrated pest management. In this context, laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the toxicity of four insecticides (lambda-cyhalothrin, flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and cyantraniliprole) and one fungicide (spiroxamine) commonly applied in German (European) vineyards on the pupae and adults of both Anagyrus vladimiri, a parasitoid of the vine mealybug Planococcus ficus, and Trichogramma evanescens, a parasitoid of the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana. The tested pesticides did not significantly affect the development of the pupal stage inside mealybug mummies or the emergence of the parasitoid A. vladimiri. The pesticides flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and spiroxamine resulted in the highest mortality percentages for all emerged A. vladimiri parasitoids at 8 and 10 days after treatment compared with either in lambda-cyhalothrin or cyantraniliprole. However, all pesticides, except the diamide insecticide cyantraniliprole, significantly affected the development of the pupal stage and the emergence of the parasitoid T. evanescens. The percentages of T. evanescens emergence following the application of the fungicide spiroxamine or either lambda-cyhalothrin or flupyradifurone were significantly higher than those observed in the acetamiprid treatment. Regarding direct contact toxicity, the highest percentages (100%) of A. vladimiri adult parasitoid mortality were obtained in the flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and spiroxamine treatments, while the lowest mortality percentages were observed in lambda-cyhalothrin, cyantraniliprole, and untreated control treatments. According to the IOBC classes of toxicity, flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and spiroxamine were classified as harmful, while both lambda-cyhalothrin and cyantraniliprole were classified as slightly harmful to A. vladimiri adults. As such, all pesticides had a significant impact on the survival of exposed T. evanescens adults. The highest percentages of adult T. evanescens mortality were obtained in the flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, and spiroxamine treatments, with the fungicide spiroxamine resulting in significantly higher mortality percentages than either flupyradifurone or acetamiprid, while the lowest mortality percentages were found in the lambda-cyhalothrin and cyantraniliprole treatments. Therefore, applying the insecticides acetamiprid and/or flupyradifurone and the fungicide spiroxamine should be avoided when A. vladimiri and/or T. evanescens are naturally present or released in grapes. The insights gained from these two easy-to-rear parasitoid species allow analogous conclusions to be drawn for closely related species in vineyards belonging to either family Encyrtidae or Trichogrammatidae, which are not easy to rear. Interestingly, using the safer insecticides lambda-cyhalothrin and/or cyantraniliprole could be compatible with both parasitoid species, which could be sustainably exploited in either conservation or augmentative biological control in vineyards.

Etridiazole (EDZ) is a thiadiazole-containing fungicide commonly used to control Pythium and Phytophthora spp. Although previous studies have shown that EDZ is teratogenic, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying its toxicity remain unknown. In this study, a zebrafish (Danio rerio; ZF) model was used to explore the molecular pathways associated with EDZ toxicity. The whole transcriptome of ZF embryos exposed to 96 h of EDZ was analyzed, along with developmental abnormalities. EDZ-induced malformations were primarily related to the eyes, heart, and growth of the ZF. Compared to untreated ZF, etridiazole-treated ZF had 2882 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), consisting of 1651 downregulated genes and 1231 upregulated genes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were involved in biological processes, such as sensory perception, visual perception, sensory organ development, and visual system development, and showed transmembrane transporter and peptidase regulator activities. Metabolism, phototransduction, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and vascular smooth muscle contraction were among the most enriched KEGG pathways. The qPCR analyses of the eight random genes were in good agreement with the transcriptome data. These results suggest several putative mechanisms underlying EDZ-induced developmental deformities in ZF.

Carbofuran is a pesticide widely used in agricultural context to kill insects, mites, and flies by ingestion or contact. Along with literature review, we aimed to (i) present the clinical, autopsy, and toxicological findings of carbofuran self-poisonings in two 69-year-old twins, resulting in the death of one of them and (ii) assess carbofuran metabolite distribution using molecular networking. Quantitative analysis of carbofuran and its main metabolites (3-hydroxycarbofuran and 3-ketocarbofuran) was carried out using an original liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method on biological samples (cardiac or peripheral blood, urine, bile, and gastric contents). Toxicological analysis of post-mortem samples (twin 1) highlighted high concentrations of carbofuran and its metabolites in cardiac blood, bile, and gastric contents. These compounds were also quantified in blood and/or urine samples of the living brother (twin 2), confirming poisoning. Using molecular networking approach to facilitate visualization of mass spectrometry datasets and sample-to-sample comparisons, we detected two more metabolites (7-phenol-carbofuran and 3-hydroxycarbofuran glucuronide) in bile (twin 1) and urine (twin 2). These results highlight the value of (i) these compounds as carbofuran consumption markers and (ii) bile samples in post-mortem analysis to confirm poisoning. From an analytical point of view, molecular networking allowed the detection and interpretation of carbofuran metabolite ammonium adducts which helped to confirm their identification annotations, as well as their structural data. From a clinical point of view, the different outcomes between the two brothers are discussed. Overall, these cases provide novel information regarding the distribution of carbofuran and its metabolites in poisoning context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides kill neurons, but the mechanism leading to selective dopaminergic loss in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is unknown. Understanding the pesticide’s effect on dopaminergic neurons (DA) can help to screen and treat PD. The critical uptake of pesticides by the membrane receptors at DA is hypothesized to activate a signaling cascade and accelerate degeneration. Using MPTP as a reference, we demonstrate the mechanisms of eleven crucial pesticides through molecular docking, protein networks, regulatory pathways, and prioritization of key pesticide-regulating proteins. Participants were recruited and grouped into control and PD based on clinical characteristics as well as pesticide traces in their blood plasma. Then, qPCR was used to measure pesticide-associated gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells between groups. As a result of molecular docking, all eleven pesticides and the MPTP showed high binding efficiency against 274 membrane receptor proteins of DA. Further, the protein interaction networks showed activation of multiple signaling cascades through these receptors. Subsequent analysis revealed 31 biological pathways shared by all 11pesticides and MPTP that were overrepresented by 46 crucial proteins. Among these, CTNNB1, NDUFS6, and CAV1 were prioritized to show a significant change in gene expression in pesticide-exposed PD which guides toward therapy.

Liver represents a key role in the physiology of animals as most of the metabolic mechanisms occur in it. The pesticides entered into the human body through various routes viz., oral, dermal, inhalation, etc. affect the liver and alter the metabolic rate of the individual. Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide, commonly used in all kinds of crops to protect them from different kinds of pests. Here, we studied the toxicological effects of malathion on the liver of albino rats. Different doses of malathion @ 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/ kg body wt. were orally administered to the rats for 7 and 15 days. The selected biochemical parameters such as protein, sugar, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, glutamyl oxalotransaminase (GOT), glutamyl pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and glucose-6- phosphatase dehydrogenase (G6PD) values were measured. Results indicates that the value of protein, acid phosphatase and GPT significantly increases as 5.54+0.99 to 7.35+0.48 mg/g, 14.5+2.50 to 27.37+6.43 mol/g/h and 28.52+3.62 to 37.87+3.94 IU/dL, respectively after treatment. But the sugar, alkaline phosphatase and G6PD value significantly decreases after treatment from 126.12+2.64 to 84.5+10.83mg/g, 29.12+2.64 to 15.5+4.24,6.46 +1.56 mol/g/h to 4.62+1.18 IU/gHb, respectively. Value of GOT increased moderately from 38.5+2.44 to44.87+3.31 IU/dL. The above changes revealed the toxic effects of the pesticide malathion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The vulnerability of the Sankana dam to organochlorine pesticide contamination is a major cause for concern. Indigenes rely on the dam for drinking water and irrigation of their farmlands as well as for fish and other aquatic delicacies. Virtually there exists no study on the residual levels of organochlorine or other pesticide contaminants in the dam despite its susceptibility to pesticide contamination. In the present study, the levels of organochlorine residues in fish and sediments from the Sankana dam were assessed. METHODS: Pesticide residue extraction was achieved using acetonitrile containing 1% (v/v) acetic acid in the presence of sodium acetate, sodium citrate and magnesium sulphate followed by purification over activated florisil and sodium sulphate. Identification and quantification of residue extracts was done using a gas chromatograph conjugated with mass spectrometer. FINDING: In all, varying levels of 13 organochlorine residues were detected, 11 of which were found in fish and 12 in sediment. Average mean levels of organochlorine residues found in fish ranged from 0.001 - 0.277 mg/kg. Residual levels of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, delta-hexachlorocyclohexane, gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane, endosulfan-A and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane in fish were relatively higher than their respective levels in sediment. Organochlorine residues found in sediment also ranged from 0.001 - 0.091 mg/kg. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, methoxychlor, heptachlor, gamma-chlordane and endosulfan-B residual levels in sediment were higher than the corresponding levels in fish. CONCLUSION: The study provides a baseline for continuous/regular monitoring of organochlorine contaminants in the Sankana dam and other waterbodies upstream and downstream. Where organochlorine residues exceeded their recommended permissible thresholds typically suggests possible recent/continuous use of such pesticides within the catchment area. There is therefore the need for appropriate measures and/or need to strengthen existing policies that bans the importation, sale and use of organochlorine pesticides via strict enforcement.

Despite the widespread usage to safeguard crops and manage pests, pesticides have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. The necessity to find sustainable agricultural techniques and meet the growing demand for food production has spurred the quest for pesticide substitutes other than traditional ones. The unique qualities of nanotechnology, including its high surface area-to-volume ratio, controlled release, and better stability, have made it a promising choice for pest management. Over the past ten years, there has been a noticeable growth in the usage of nanomaterials for pest management; however, concerns about their possible effects on the environment and human health have also surfaced. The purpose of this review paper is to give a broad overview of the worldwide trends and environmental effects of using nanomaterials in place of pesticides. The various types of nanomaterials, their characteristics, and their possible application in crop protection are covered. The limits of the current regulatory frameworks for nanomaterials in agriculture are further highlighted in this review. Additionally, it describes how standard testing procedures must be followed to assess the effects of nanomaterials on the environment and human health before their commercialization. In order to establish sustainable and secure nanotechnology-based pest control techniques, the review concludes by highlighting the significance of taking into account the possible hazards and benefits of nanomaterials for pest management and the necessity of an integrated approach. It also emphasizes the importance of more investigation into the behavior and environmental fate of nanomaterials to guarantee their safe and efficient application in agriculture. • Possible hazards and benefits of NPs for pest management have been summarized. • Limits of current regulatory frameworks for NPs in agriculture have been described. • Nutritional status of plants is highlighted under NPs use as pest management. • Possible limitations of NPs use as pest management have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent clinical or epidemiological studies are reporting alarming results on the effects of certain groups of chemicals on the female reproductive system. These endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) influence the normal activities of hormones secreted from the female hypothalamus, ovary, pituitary & uterus. The female reproductive disorders are mainly observed at embryonic or during fetal development and subsequently get matured during puberty. Various toxic chemicals and other pollutants interact with the chemical structure of the hormones and hence prolonged effects are seen at the cellular and molecular level of hormones resulting in disruption of secretion and function. Due to poor coordination of hormones and other reproductive organs of the body vital functions are compromised. Hence it's highly significant to study and explore the toxicity of chemicals that play a key role in the malfunctioning of the female reproductive system. In this review, we are concerned about the influence of EDCs and their significance in public health. Furthermore, we illustrated the discussion on the increasing effects of EDCs in various parts such as clinical, animal models, or epidemiological studies to develop awareness among the people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of non-crop vegetation to conservation biological control of insect pests in adjacent crops have often been demonstrated. Other studies have established that pesticide use can negatively impact natural enemies; but little is known about the outcomes from providing non-crop vegetation in systems with pesticide use. Here we conducted a natural experiment, sampling arthropods from within a set of four fields with varying pesticide use intensities that were otherwise similar and had perennial native vegetation adjacent to a single edge. Bayesian network analysis was applied to model the entire data set, then sensitivity analysis of numbers of arthropods captured in pitfall traps and sticky traps revealed that the overall effect of pesticide toxicity was large. Numbers of multiple arthropod taxa were especially strongly reduced in fields with pesticide regimes that had greater calculated toxicity scores. The effects on natural enemy numbers of the presence of adjacent perennial native vegetation was weaker than the effect of pesticide regime for all taxa except for Staphilinidae, for which it was equivalent. The benefit to in-crop numbers of natural enemies from the adjacent vegetation was strongest for ground active Araneae, Formicidae, and Dermaptera. Descriptive statistical analysis of the spatial distribution in the least heavily sprayed field suggested that the native vegetation was donor habitat for in-crop natural enemies, especially Hymenoptera, Dermaptera, and Formicidae, with numbers elevated close to the native vegetation, an effect that was apparent for around 100 m. Conservation of invertebrates in agricultural landscapes, including efforts to promote natural enemies for conservation biological control, are strongly impeded by “real world” pesticide regimes that include frequent applications and toxic compounds. Landscape features such as perennial native woody vegetation are potentially important refuges for a wide range of natural enemy taxa. The donor habitat effect of such refuges can elevate in-crop densities of these important ecosystem service providers over a scale of around 100 m, implying scope to enhance the strength of biological control in large fields (around 4 ha) by use of entirely wooded margins provided pesticide use is moderated.

Among insect pollinators, honey bees, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae), are universally acknowledged, most important managed pollinators that also provide honey production. In recent years, neonicotinoids are widely used against a broad spectrum sucking pests. However, they also pose a major threat to the beekeeping industry. The present study aimed to quantify the impact of thiamethoxam, a second-generation, broad-spectrum neonicotinoid on foraging behavior, colony performance, and survival of Apis mellifera L. in mustard crop under semi-field (cage) and field conditions. Under semi-field conditions, the foraging activity of A. mellifera on mustard bloom reduced significantly on the 2nd day after spray of thiamethoxam as compared to pre-count and control. Significant decrease in brood area (7th to 21st day), nectar stores (7th to 28th day), and pollen stores (7th to 21st day) were also recorded after the spray. The bee mortality under semi-field conditions was significantly higher on the 1st and 2nd day after spray in comparison to control. Under field conditions, average bee activity remained statistically low up to the 12th day after spray on mustard bloom in comparison to pre-count and control. The effect of thiamethoxam under field conditions was less pronounced for bee mortality and colony parameters. Based on LD50, thiamethoxam was proved toxic to adults and larvae of A. mellifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temephos (O,O,O',O′-tetramethyl O,O′-thiodi-p-phenylene bis(phosphorothioate)) is a larvicide belonging to the family of organophosphate pesticides used for the control of different vectors of diseases, such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and dracunculiasis. The aim of this review was to discuss the available published information about temephos toxicokinetics and toxicity in mammals. Temephos is quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, distributed to all organs, and then it accumulates mainly in adipose tissue. It is metabolized by S-oxidation, oxidative desulfuration, and hydrolysis reactions, with the possible participation of cytochrome P450 (CYP). Temephos is mainly eliminated by feces, whereas some of its metabolites are eliminated by urine. The World Health Organization classifies it as class III: slightly dangerous with a NOAEL (no-observed adverse effect level) of 2.3 mg/kg/day for up to 90 days in rats, based on brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. A LOAEL (lowest observable adverse effect level) of 100 mg/kg/day for up to 44 days in rats was proposed based on cholinergic symptoms. However, some studies have shown that temephos causes toxic effects in mammals. The inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is one of its main demonstrated effects; however, this larvicide has also shown genotoxic effects and some adverse effects on male reproduction and fertility, as well as liver damage, even at low doses. We performed an extensive review through several databases of the literature about temephos toxicokinetics, and we recommend to revisit current assessment of temephos with the new available data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ingestion of pesticides remains the most common means of suicide in rural Sri Lanka. Widespread agricultural use of highly hazardous pesticides, poor home storage, and unrestricted over-the-counter sales make these pesticides easily accessible for acts of self-poisoning (1). We present the case history of a man who developed confusion, agitation and bilateral complete ptosis following self-ingestion of abamectin. Despite having evidence of a significant toxic dose, he was haemodynamically stable throughout the hospital stay and made a full recovery with supportive treatment.

Abstract Dimethoate is frequently used all over the world and it caused serious toxicity on target and non-target organisms. In this study, distilled water, ferulic acid, low dose dimetoate, high dose dimetoate, ferulic acid and low dose dimetoate, ferulic acid and high dose dimethoate were given to rats through gavage during the 4-week experiment. For this purpose, the levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, malondialdehyde and histopathological damages were investigated. After 28 days, no statistically important difference was determined in all investigated parameters in testicular tissues of rats who were administered control and ferulic acid. When the control and ferulic acid groups compare with the low and high dose dimetoate groups, there were statistically significantly changes antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde levels. In ferulic acid plus low dose dimethoate treated group and ferulic acid plus high dose dimethoate treatment we demonstrated that the protective role of ferulic acid on examining parameters but not completely. Based on light microscope studies, we can say that both dose dimethoate induced numerous histopathological changes. Less pathological alterations were observed when rats ferulic acid-plus-dimethoate. As a result, it is possible to say that ferulic acid has a partially healing role on the oxidative damage caused by dimethoate.

Thiram, a dithiocarbamate fungicide, is used for the treatment of various fungal infections affecting crops and ornamentals. However, thiram-associated toxicity has been reported in animals, including fish, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Herein, we employed zebrafish (ZF) to gain further insights into thiram toxicity-associated molecular mechanisms. We studied developmental abnormalities and performed whole-transcriptome analysis of ZF embryos exposed to thiram for 96 h. Embryos exposed to 4.0 μg/L thiram exhibited several phenotypic abnormalities, including bradycardia, spinal curvature, hatching arrest, and growth retardation. Whole-transcriptome analysis revealed 1754 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 512 upregulated and 1242 downregulated DEGs. The majority of biological processes affected by thiram were metabolic. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis yielded terms related to reproduction, such as steroid biosynthesis and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction validation results were in line with sequencing data for ten DEGs. The study results improve our current understanding of the effects of thiram exposure in ZF.

ABSTRACT: Pesticides are becoming a significant transnational pollutant in agricultural production environments. This review presents the interconnectedness and interaction effects of pesticides with the microbiomes in the environments of plant rhizosphere and animal (limited to insect and human) guts. The metabolic growth and functions of rhizosphere microbiomes are altered by complex mechanisms involving redox reactions and preferential substrate utilization. The rhizospheres of crop plants with the assemblies of microbiota and other biotic components are sensitive to the deliberate introduction of pesticides. Pesticides become one of the major drivers for the metabolic processes, which rely on the evolutionary mechanisms, including the genetic exchange events within the rhizosphere microbiomes. Pesticides, even at the below detection levels, in the rhizosphere enable the plant uptake which can be up to 1% of the dose applied and trophic transfers involving the animal gut environments. To overcome the metabolic constraints due to the nutrient-poor plant diets contaminated with pesticides, insects gain the resistance traits, mainly due to the pesticide-degrading members of the gut microbiomes. Such evolved microbiome members and their genes can increase their spread of resistance in the environment. Like the insect gut microbiomes, the human gut microbiomes get modulated by the pesticide-laden plant foods, leading to dysbiosis. The confounding effects of pesticides on the gut microbiomes which include mutational and genetic exchange events can upsurge many health disorders. The evolutionary and microbiome perspectives on the rhizosphere and animal guts as the hotspots of metabolic and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events need careful considerations to mitigate the risks and health hazards due to extensive and intensive application of synthetic chemical pesticides in the modern agriculture.

In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of the captan fungicide by using morphological, physiological and cytological parameters in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum L. cv. Kandil) root tissue. The seeds of bell pepper were germinated in Petri dishes including different concentrations (0, 25μM, 50μM, 100μM, 150μM) of captan fungicide for 7 days. The germination rates and root lengths were significantly reduced in captan-treated seeds. All concentrations caused a significant decrease in mitotic index and increase in different types of chromosomal abnormalities such as c-mitosis and chromosome stickness in meristematic cells of bell pepper root. Captan treatment also induced oxidative stress by leading to membrane damage with an increase in root electrolyte leakage in 7 days-old bell pepper root. Catalase, glutathione reductase and total peroxidase activities increased under different concentrations as a response to oxidative stress. Our results showed that captan fungicide had negative effects on germination and growth in bell pepper seed.

A study to quantify the toxicity and ecotoxicological pressure of pesticides in the Sancti Spíritus province, Cuba, was carried out between 2011 and 2014. A longitudinal descriptive work was designed for the study period to identify potential risks to the environment and also to human health associated with the use of pesticides in the country. The Spread Equivalents (ƩSeq) and Pesticide Occupational and Environmental Risk (POCER) indicators, as well as the Toxic Load (TL) methodology of Instituto Cubano de Sanidad Vegetal, were used to determine the toxicity and ecotoxicity of pesticide use. One hundred and twenty-four active ingredients corresponding to 62 chemical families were applied in the province during the study period. Organophosphates, triazoles, sulfonylurea, pyrethroids, inorganic compounds (such as copper), carbamates, dithiocarbamates, neonicotinoids, aryloxyphenoxypropionates, and organochlorines predominated due to their use frequency. The use of toxic pesticides, and the lack of personal protection equipment, among others, made workers, residents, and applicators the toxicological modules with the highest risk of exposure. On the other hand, aquatic organisms, and the persistence of the pesticides in the soil and in groundwater, are the modules with the highest ecotoxicological pressure. By using the POCER and ƩSeq indicators, a more accurate toxicity and ecotoxicity assessment for certain pesticides can be performed in Cuba, in comparison to the one obtained when using only the TL equation currently employed in the country. In addition, substituting the most toxic pesticides (e.g., parathion, endosulfan, bifenthrin, copper oxychloride, mancozeb, paraquat, diquat, and ametryn) with less toxic ones (e.g., cypermethrin, tebuconazole, triadimenol, and bispyribac-sodium) could help reduce synthetic pesticide pressure on humans and the environment.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The vulnerability of the Sankana dam to organochlorine pesticide contamination is a major cause for concern. Indigenes rely on the dam for drinking water and irrigation of their farmlands as well as for fish and other aquatic delicacies. Virtually there exists no study on the residual levels of organochlorine or other pesticide contaminants in the dam despite its susceptibility to pesticide contamination. In the present study, the levels of organochlorine residues in fish and sediments from the Sankana dam were assessed. METHODS: Pesticide residue extraction was achieved using acetonitrile containing 1% (v/v) acetic acid in the presence of sodium acetate, sodium citrate and magnesium sulphate followed by purification over activated florisil and sodium sulphate. Identification and quantification of residue extracts was done using a gas chromatograph conjugated with mass spectrometer. FINDINGS: In all, varying levels of 13 organochlorine residues were detected, 11 of which were found in fish and 12 in sediment. Average mean levels of organochlorine residues found in fish ranged from 0.001 - 0.277 mg/kg. Residual levels of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, delta-hexachlorocyclohexane, gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane, endosulfan-A and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane in fish were relatively higher than their respective levels in sediment. Organochlorine residues found in sediment also ranged from 0.001 - 0.091 mg/kg. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, methoxychlor, heptachlor, gammachlordane and endosulfan-B residual levels in sediment were higher than the corresponding levels in fish. CONCLUSION: The study provides a baseline for continuous/regular monitoring of organochlorine contaminants in the Sankana dam and other waterbodies upstream and downstream. Where organochlorine residues exceeded their recommended permissible thresholds typically suggests possible recent/continuous use of such pesticides within the catchment area. There is therefore the need for appropriate measures and/or need to strengthen existing policies that bans the importation, sale and use of organochlorine pesticides via strict enforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metolachlor herbicides are derived from the chloroacetamide chemical family of which there are the S- and R-metolachlor isomers. S-metolachlor is a selective herbicide that inhibits cell division and mitosis via enzyme interference. The herbicide is used globally in agriculture and studies report adverse effects in aquatic organisms; however, there are no studies investigating sub-lethal effects of S-metolachlor on swim bladder formation, mitochondrial ATP production, nor light–dark preference behaviors in fish. These endpoints are relevant for larval locomotor activity and metabolism. To address these knowledge gaps, we exposed zebrafish embryos/larvae to various concentrations of S-metolachlor (0.5–50 µM) over early development. S-metolachlor affected survival, hatching percentage, and increased developmental deformities at concentrations of 50 µM and above. Exposure levels as high as 200 µM for 24 and 48 h did not alter oxygen consumption rates in zebrafish, and there were no changes detected in endpoints related to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. We observed impairment of swim bladder inflation at 50 µM in 6 dpf larvae. To elucidate mechanisms related to this, we measured relative transcript abundance for genes associated with the swim bladder (smooth muscle alpha (α)-2 actin, annexin A5, pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 1a). Smooth muscle alpha (α)-2 actin mRNA levels were reduced in fish exposed to 50 µM while annexin A5 mRNA levels were increased in abundance, corresponding to reduced swim bladder size in larvae. A visual motor response test revealed that larval zebrafish exhibited some hyperactivity in the light with exposure to the herbicide and only the highest dose tested (50 µM) resulted in hypoactivity in the dark cycle. Regression analysis indicated that there was a positive relationship between surface area of the swim bladder and distance traveled, and the size of the swim bladder explained ~10–14% in the variation for total distance moved. Lastly, we tested larvae in a light dark preference test, and we did not detect any altered behavioral response to any concentration tested. Here we present new data on sublethal endpoints associated with exposure to the herbicide S-metolachlor and demonstrate that this chemical may disrupt transcripts associated with swim bladder formation and morphology, which could ultimately affect larval zebrafish activity. These data are expected to contribute to further risk assessment guidelines for S-metolachlor in aquatic ecosystems.

Excess usage of synthetic pesticides in agricultural fields perculates down the ecosystem to other livestock and fishes and thereby pose threat to humans. This has lead to prominence of bio pesticides which have always been thought to be harmless to the non-target organisms. However, literature on the safety of these biopesticides is limited. In this context, here, we studied the effect of Karanjin based botanical biopesticide Derisom on the biochemical parameters in various tissues of a fresh water fish species. We selected the edible common carp Cyprinus carpio (L.) for the study as it is an important protein food source for humans. The effect of the biopesticide - Derisom on certain metabolites and enzymes of protein metabolism were evaluated in gill, liver, kidney and the muscle of C. carpio during sublethal toxicity exposure of 21 days. About 0.28 ppm was taken as the sublethal value. The organs were taken from the exposed and control groups at the end of 1h, 7, 14 and 21 days, and were used for estimation of total proteins, free amino acids, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), alanine amino transferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AAT). All the four organs showed significant difference between control and exposed groups in all the estimated parameters on all the days of exposure. The present study considers the above biochemical parameters as an important biomarker in determining the level of toxicity caused by the biopesticide Derisom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ipomoea aquatica Forsk., commonly called water spinach ('kalmi' in Bengali) is an underexploited local green leafy vegetable having enormous scope as a cheap antioxidant source. The study explores the ameliorative effect of aqueous I. aquatica extract (IAE) in acephate and carbofuran treated Wistar male rats. Aqueous IAE (@ 20 mg/kg body wt.), administered to rats treated with organophosphate acephate (@ 30 mg/kg body wt.) and carbamate carbofuran (@ 0.1 mg/kg body wt.), attenuated the cholinesterase activity in brain, liver and cellular blood and reformed the histological perturbations in the brain cortex as well as the kidney anomalies, to a good extent. The IAE also upregulated the NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) and MnSOD gene expression against pesticide toxicity. Hence, results of the present study intervenes into a new approach of justifying the deleterious side effects of pesticides that are commonly used, and how green leafy vegetables can help ameliorate those harmful effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is an important pollinator as well as an important test model for pesticide effects on other insect pollinators. Honey bees have been experiencing high mortality in both the United States and worldwide. Pesticide exposure has been identified as one of the many stressors causing this mortality. Effects of various pesticides have been measured for multiple responses such as learning, memory performance, feeding activity, and thermoregulation. These studies were conducted at many different temperatures (11–35°C); however, few studies compared toxicity of the same pesticide to bees at different temperatures. It is possible that the same pesticide might show different toxicity to honey bees at different temperatures. To reveal such potential interactions, we administered low doses of two neonicotinoid insecticides (imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) at three different temperature scenarios (35°C, 24°C, and a varying temperature) and determined the effects on honey bee survivorship. We discovered that honey bees are much more sensitive to the neonicotinoid pesticides imidacloprid and thiamethoxam at a constant 24°C or at a varying temperature (night at 13°C and day at 24°C) compared to bees at 35°C. These results suggest that honey bee colonies during winter time will be more sensitive to pesticides. Doses of neonicotinoids that are safe to colonies during summer might kill them during the winter time.