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Background Methods Results Conclusions Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, yet modifiable risk factors remain elusive. In this study, the authors investigated the potential role of agricultural pesticide exposure in prostate cancer incidence and mortality.For this environment‐wide association study (EWAS), linear regression was used to analyze county‐level associations between the annual use of 295 distinct pesticides (measured in kg per county) and prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates in the contiguous United States. Data were analyzed in two cohorts: 1997–2001 pesticide use with 2011–2015 outcomes (discovery) and 2002–2006 use with 2016–2020 outcomes (replication). The reported effect sizes highlight how a 1‐standard‐deviation increase in log‐transformed pesticide use (kg per county) corresponds to changes in incidence. Analyses were adjusted for county‐level demographics, agricultural data, and multiple testing.Twenty‐two pesticides showed consistent, direct associations with prostate cancer incidence across both cohorts. Of these, four pesticides were also associated with prostate cancer mortality. In the replication cohort, each 1‐standard‐deviation increase in log‐transformed pesticide use corresponded to incidence increases per 100,000 individuals (trifluralin, 6.56 [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.04–8.07]; cloransulam‐methyl, 6.18 [95% CI, 4.06–8.31]; diflufenzopyr, 3.20 [95% CI, 1.09–5.31]; and thiamethoxam, 2.82 [95% CI, 1.14–4.50]). Limitations included ecological study design, potential unmeasured confounding, and lack of individual‐level exposure data.The results of this study suggest a potential link between certain pesticides and increased prostate cancer incidence and mortality. These findings warrant further investigation of these specific pesticides to confirm their role in prostate cancer risk and to develop potential public health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, bird populations are declining dramatically. This is especially the case in intensely used agricultural areas where the application of neonicotinoid insecticides is thought to—unintendedly—cause a cascade of negative impacts throughout food webs. Additionally, there could be direct (sub‐) lethal impacts of neonicotinoids on birds, but to date there is no comprehensive quantitative assessment to confirm or rule out this possibility. Therefore, we use a meta‐analytical approach synthesising 1612 effect sizes from 49 studies and show that neonicotinoids consistently harm bird health, behaviour, reproduction, and survival. Thus, in addition to reduced food availability, the negative direct effects of exposure to neonicotinoids likely contribute to bird population declines globally. Our outcomes are pivotal to consider in future risk assessments and pesticide policy: despite localised bans, the metabolites and residues of neonicotinoids remain present in the environment and in birds and will thus have long‐lasting direct effects on both the individual and the population levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This work investigates the olfactory mechanism of aphids with varying preferences for TMX-coated and uncoated wheat plants. This study utilized the olfactory localization preferences of aphids to identify the volatile metabolites of both TMX-coated and uncoated wheat. The differential metabolites were then used to assess the olfactory behavior of aphids. The results indicated that four compounds had repellent activity towards aphids, while two compounds demonstrated attracting activity towards aphids. These findings highlight the potential of using TMX-induced VOCs to manage aphid behavior and develop environmentally friendly pest control strategies. Pesticides can induce target plants to release odors that are attractive or repellent to their herbivore insects. But, to date, the activity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), singly or as mixtures, which play a crucial role in the olfactory behavior of herbivore insects, remains unclear. The objective of our research was to investigate the impact of thiamethoxam (TMX), a pesticide, on the emission of odors by wheat plants, and how these odors influence the behavior of grain aphids (Sitobion miscanthi). S. miscanthi showed a greater repellent response to the volatiles emitted by Thx-induced plants compared to those emitted by uncoated plants. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS), we discovered that TMX greatly induced the release of VOCs in wheat plants. For instance, the levels of Bornyl acetate, 2-Oxepanone, Methyl acrylate, Cyclohexene, α-Pinene, and 1-Nonanol in coated wheat plants were significantly higher as compared to uncoated wheat plants. Moreover, varying concentrations also had an impact on the olfactory behavior of S. miscanthi. For instance, Cyclohexene exhibited clear attractiveness to aphids at concentrations of 100 μL/mL, whereas it displayed evident repellent properties at concentrations of 1 μL/mL and 10 μL/mL. These new findings demonstrate how TMX-induced VOCs affect the behavior of S. miscanthi and could help in developing innovative approaches to manage aphids by manipulating the emission of plant volatiles. Furthermore, these findings can also be utilized to evaluate substances that either attract or repel aphids, with the aim of implementing early monitoring and environmentally friendly methods to manage aphids, while simultaneously impeding the spread of viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A certified reference material of thiamethoxam in acetonitrile was developed and approved as a primary certified reference material (GBW08772). It was prepared by gravimetric-volumetric method with value assigned thiamethoxam material (purity 99.4%) and chromatographic grade acetonitrile as solvent. Research has found that thiamethoxam could undergo a guanidyl degradation in water and methanol to produce thiamethoxam-urea, therefore acetonitrile was selected as the solvent. According to JJF 1343-2022, the solvent stability, homogeneity, short-term stability, and long-term stability tests were carried out for the prepared solution using high-performance liquid chromatography. Finally, the mass concentration of the developed reference material GBW08772 was 1.00 mg/mL with a relative expanded uncertainty of 1% (k-2). The developed solution certified reference material of thiamethoxam has traceability and accuracy, and meets the requirements of national food safety determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Neonicotinoid insecticides are used worldwide for crop protection. They act as agonists at postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), disrupting normal neurotransmission in target insects. Human exposure is high due to the widespread use of neonicotinoids and their residues in food. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro neurotoxicity of three neonicotinoid commercial formulations Much 600 FS® (imidacloprid 600 g L−1), Evidence 700 WG® (imidacloprid 700 g kg−1), and Actara 250 WG® (thiamethoxam 250 g kg−1) in differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. Methods Cells were incubated with the pesticides for 96 h, and the cytotoxicity was evaluated through the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium·bromide (MTT) reduction and neutral red (NR) uptake assays. Toxicological pathways such as reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell death mode, and the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax were also evaluated. Results EC50 values of 266.4, 4,175, and 653.2 mg L−1 were found for Much®, Evidence® and Actara®, respectively. Significant increases in ROS and RNS generation were observed for all pesticides, while mitochondrial membrane potential and Bax protein expression showed no significant changes. Analysis of cell death mode revealed an increase in early apoptotic cells. Conclusion Therefore, neonicotinoid insecticides are potentially neurotoxic, reinforcing concerns about human exposure to these commercial formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stingless bee Frieseomelitta varia Lepeletier 1836 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is an essential pollinator in natural and agricultural ecosystems in the Neotropical region. However, these bees may be exposed to pesticides during foraging, which can affect both individuals and their colonies. One example comes from the use of pyraclostrobin (a fungicide) and thiamethoxam (an insecticide) for pest control in pepper crops, which F. varia visits. This study aimed to evaluate the isolated and combined sublethal effects of thiamethoxam (TMX) (0.000543 ng a.i./µL) and pyraclostrobin (PYR) (1.5 ng i.a./µL) on the morphology of the midgut and Malpighian tubules of F. varia workers. Results showed that both pesticides, regardless of the exposure time (through feeding during 48 h or 96 h), disturbed the morphology of the analyzed organs. Specifically, F. varia exposed orally to sublethal concentrations of thiamethoxam and pyraclostrobin, either alone or in combination, exhibited a higher rate of damage to the midgut (e.g., vacuolization, apocrine secretion, and cellular elimination) compared to the bees in the control groups, both after 48 h and 96 h of exposure. In Malpighian tubules, vacuolation is the only damage present. As the observed morphological alterations likely compromise the excretion and absorption functions, exposure to pyraclostrobin and thiamethoxam may lead to disturbances at both the individual and colony levels. These results highlight the urgent need for a future reassessment of the safety of fungicides and insecticides regarding their potential effects on bee populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the tea-planting process, insecticides are commonly combined, potentially prolonging the pre-harvest interval and heightening the risk of dietary exposure. This study focused on three frequently used insecticides in tea cultivation: thiamethoxam, bifenthrin, and dinotefuran, aiming to investigate their dissipation behaviors and associated dietary risks upon individual and simultaneous application. The dissipation kinetics of thiamethoxam, bifenthrin, and dinotefuran were successfully characterized by first-order kinetics, yielding respective half-lives of 5.44, 9.81, and 10.16 days. Upon joint application, the dissipation half-lives of thiamethoxam and bifenthrin were notably prolonged compared with their individual applications, resulting in final concentrations after 28 days that were correspondingly elevated by 1.41 and 1.29 times. Assessment of the dietary intake risk revealed that the chronic and acute risk quotients associated with thiamethoxam and bifenthrin escalated by 1.44–1.59 times following their combined application. Although dietary risks associated with Tianmuhu white tea, as determined by the exposure assessment model, were deemed acceptable, the cumulative risks stemming from pesticide mixtures across various dietary sources warrant attention. Molecular docking analyses further unveiled that thiamethoxam and bifenthrin competitively bound to glutathione S-transferase (GST) at amino acid residues, notably at the 76th GLU and the 25th PHE, pivotal in the metabolism and absorption of exogenous substances. Moreover, the interactions between P-glycoprotein and pesticides during transport and absorption were likely to influence dissipation behaviors post-joint application. This research offers valuable insights and data support for optimizing joint pesticide application strategies and assessing risks associated with typical pesticides used in tea cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment on insecticide evaluation against the Rice Gundhi bug was laid out at Heera Puri research field, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India in randomized Block Design with three replications and seven treatments including different newer insecticides and phytoextracts viz., imidacloprid 17.8% SL @ 300 ml/ha, NSKE 5% @ 25 l/ha, acetamiprid 20% SP @ 200 g/ha, Neem oil 2% @ 5 l/ha, Metarhizium anisopliae 1 x 109 cfu/ml @ 3 l/ha, thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 200 g/ha, and Untreated plot (Water). The number of bugs after 10 days of the second spray was significantly lower than the untreated plot. However, imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 300 ml/ha was found superior to the rest of the insecticide treatments, as the lowest number of bugs was recorded by this treatment. The next best treatment was thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 200 g/ha, followed by acetamiprid 20% SP @ 200 g/ha. Neem oil 2% @ 5 l/ha was the least effective treatment. The benefit-cost ratio results revealed that the most cost-effective treatment was imidacloprid 17.8% SL @ 300 ml/ha, whereas the least economical treatment was NSKE 5% @ 25 l/ha. Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 300 ml/ha treatment recorded the highest B: C ratio and highest yield as compared to other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations of various economic species of wireworms are increasing in the key cereal crop production areas of Canada and the United States. To address this problem, seed treatments are under development that both provide crop protection and significantly reduce populations equivalent in effectiveness to the formerly used but now deregistered organochlorine lindane. Herein, we evaluated isocycloseram (PLINAZOLIN technology), the first isoxazoline (GABA-gated Chloride Channel Allosteric Modulator) agricultural insecticide, as a seed treatment for the protection of cereal crops from the sugarbeet wireworm, Limonius californicus (Mannerheim). In wheat and barley field trials conducted over 4 years under extreme wireworm pressure, isocycloseram applied as a seed treatment at 5.0–7.5 g AI/100 kg seed was as effective as or more effective than the current industry standard thiamethoxam at 20.0 g AI/100 kg seed in protecting crop stand and yield. Isocycloseram also reduced neonate wireworms (produced from eggs during the growing season) and resident wireworms (in the field at the time of planting) to levels expected from the formerly used seed treatment lindane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Exposure to pesticides is one potential factor contributing to the recent loss of pollinators and pollinator diversity. Few studies have specifically focused on the relationship between pesticide management during ornamental plant production and contamination of nectar. We evaluated contamination of nectar in Salvia ‘Indigo Spires’ (Salvia longispicata M. Martens & Galeotti × S. farinacea Benth.) associated with applications of the systemic insecticide thiamethoxam, and the nonsystemic fungicides boscalid and pyraclostrobin. Applications were made at the labeled rates for the commercially available products, and we compared the influence of application method (drench vs. spray), timing (relative to flowering), and rate (low vs. high) for each pesticide. Nectar was sampled using 50‐µL microcapillary tubes and analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The results indicate that concentrations from the spray application resulted in the least contamination of nectar with the systemic thiamethoxam, with lower concentrations occurring when thiamethoxam was applied before blooming at the lowest rate. Concentrations of thiamethoxam and its metabolite clothianidin were detected in nectar in all treatments (regardless of the method, timing, or rate of application), and ranged from 3.6 ± 0.5 ng/mL (spray‐applied before blooming, low rate) to 1720.0 ± 80.9 ng/mL (drench‐applied after blooming, high rate). Residues of clothianidin in nectar ranged from below quantification limits (spray‐applied before blooming, low rate) to 81.2 ± 4.6 ng/mL (drench‐applied after blooming, high rate). Drench applications resulted in the highest levels of nectar contamination with thiamethoxam, and exceeded published median lethal concentrations (LC50s/median lethal doses for native bees and/or honeybees in all cases). Spray treatments resulted in nectar concentrations exceeding published LC50s for some bee species. In comparison, all nonsystemic treatments resulted in concentrations much lower than the published no‐observable‐effect doses and sublethal toxicity values, indicating low risks of toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;001:1–12. © 2024 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective) The role of heat shock protein Hsp70 gene in the adaptation of Sogatella furcifera to abiotic stresses (insecticide, high/ low temperature, and UV-A) was revealed, which provided a reference for the green prevention and control of S. furcifera. [Method) Based on genomic and transcriptomic data, the Hsp70 gene in the S. furcifera was cloned and identified, and its transcription levels treated with insecticide, high/low temperature and UV-A stress were measured using RT-qPCR. [Result] A Hsp70 gene was successfully obtained and designated as SfHsp70-1. Its full-length sequence was determined to be 2322 bp, with an open reading frame of 2001 bp, encoding 666 amino acid residues, a molecular weight of approximately 72.91 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 5. 11. There were three conserved domains of the Hsp70 family proteins in SfHsp70-1, with a conserved C-terminal endoplasmic reticulum Hsp70 sequence 'HDEL'. The sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam showed a significant dose effect, and LC10 significantly induced the transcriptional level of the SfHsp70-1 gene to 2.59 fold that of the control (acetone treatment), whereas LC25 concentration stress showed no significant impact. Additionally, temperature stress at 10 °C (30 min), 20 °C (30,60 min), and 40 ℃ (10,30,60 min) significantly induced the transcriptional levels of the SfHsp70-1 gene by 77.24%,62.00%,85.89%,138.96%,75.67% and 61.10% compared to the control (25 °C). UV-A (300 μW/cm²) stress significantly inhibited the transcriptional levels of the SfHsp70-1 gene, with a reduction of 87.85%,88.74%, 91.91%,89.78%,93.04% and 91. 16%, respectively, compared to the control (0 min exposure), and the expression level showed a gradually downward trend with the extension of treatment time. (Conclusion] The overexpression of the SfHsp70-1 gene contributes to the S. furcifera adaptation to thiamethoxam and high/low temperature stress. These findings provide a foundation for further investigating the role of the Hsp70 gene in the adaptation of the S. furcifera to abiotic stress and providing a reference for the green prevention development and control technology for S. furcifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Previous studies have documented regional susceptibility of the silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) to common insecticide active ingredients among populations with different bacterial endosymbionts. Here, we tested the efficacy of 11 different insecticides on three populations of silverleaf whitefly found in Brazil with varying bacterial communities. Significant differences among population responses were measured for four of the tested active ingredients, two of which were neonicotinoids. DNA sequencing detected two types of bacteria in the population more susceptible to insecticides, showing a linkage of host, symbiote, and insecticide resistance. The silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a significant agricultural pest worldwide, impacting a variety of crop yields. Since the introduction of B. tabaci Mediterranean (MED) species in Brazil, limited research has measured the relative efficacy of the primary insecticides used in whitefly management. This study evaluated the susceptibility of three distinct B. tabaci MED populations to 11 insecticide active ingredients and characterized the bacterial endosymbionts within each population. The insecticides tested were acetamiprid, bifenthrin, cyantraniliprole, diafenthiuron, spiromesifen, imidacloprid, pymetrozine, pyriproxyfen, sulfoxaflor, and thiamethoxam. Results showed varying LC50 and LC90 values among tested insecticides and populations. Notably, populations varied in response to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam with some populations having a 6× higher tolerance. Sequencing data of endosymbionts revealed that individuals from the most susceptible B. tabaci population harbored Rickettsia and Arsenophonus, whereas these bacteria were not detected in the resistant populations. These findings highlight the need for frequent insecticide toxicity bioassays of distinct B. tabaci populations and the adoption of integrated pest management strategies to preserve the efficacy of insecticides for B. tabaci control. Additionally, the role of infection by endosymbionts to alter susceptibility should be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of neonicotinoids and many of their replacement insecticides to nontarget soil invertebrates such as earthworms has previously been established. However, the long‐term effects of these substances on these organisms are largely unknown. In the field of soil ecotoxicology, lumbricid earthworms such as Eisenia andrei are used extensively due to the availability of standardized test methods and their adaptability to laboratory culture and testing. Multigenerational studies have gained popularity and attention in recent years, with a shift toward the use of long‐term assays and lower concentrations of test chemicals. The use of exposure concentrations that include those measured in a monitoring program carried out by the Government of Ontario presents a realistic exposure scenario that may not show significant effects in contemporary, shorter term studies. We used current standardized test methods as a basis for the development of multigenerational studies on E. andrei. The effects of exposure to a single application of the insecticides thiamethoxam and cyantraniliprole on the survival and reproduction of E. andrei were observed over three (thiamethoxam) or two (cyantraniliprole) generations using consecutive reproduction tests. No significant impacts on adult survival were reported in any generation for either insecticide, whereas reproduction decreased between the first and second generations in the thiamethoxam test, with median effective concentration (EC50) values of 0.022 mg/kg dry weight reported for the first generation compared with 0.002 mg/kg dry weight in the second generation. For cyantraniliprole, an EC50 of 0.064 was determined for the first generation compared with 0.016 mg/kg dry weight in the second generation. A third generation was completed for the thiamethoxam test, and a significant decrease in reproduction was observed in all treatments and controls compared with previous generations. No significant difference between thiamethoxam treatments and the control treatment was reported for the third generation. Collectively, these data indicate that exposure of oligochaetes to these two insecticides at concentrations representative of field conditions may result in long‐term stresses. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2058–2070. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Heteroptera Miridae) is a key biological control agent of the tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). However, in cases of prey scarcity, this predator switches into a phytophagous pest causing ring injuries in stems of tomato plants. The aim of this study was to assess the side effects of dry residues and explore the presence of target site resistance mutations of 10 insecticides, two bioinsecticides, an acaricide and a fungicide widely applied in IPM, on adults of N. tenuis collected from two different regions of Crete; the Western and the Eastern side of the island during two successive years. Lethal toxicity trials were performed on sprayed tomato stems and toxicity of adults of N. tenuis was recorded 2 h, 7 and 14 days after exposure. At both populations, chlorpyrifos, acetamiprid and thiamethoxam were moderately harmful at the application day and slightly harmful 7 days after the application. Only chlorpyrifos maintained its toxicity for more than 7 days. All the rest tested pesticides (emamectin benzoate, abamectin, chlorantraniliprole+abamectin, chlorantraniliprole, deltamethrin, tebufenpyrad, spinosad, Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki, metaflumizone and myclobutanil) were classified as harmless. Additionally, analysis of insecticide target site sequences indicated the absence of resistance mutations in both populations. Overall, our findings illustrate the impact of 15 pesticides and their residual toxicity on the mortality rates of N. tenuis adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature can interact with chemical pesticides and modulate their toxicity. Sublethal exposure to pesticides is known to trigger hormetic responses in pests. However, the simultaneous effects of temperature and sublethal exposure to single or mixture-based insecticides on the insects' stimulatory responses are not frequently considered in toxicological studies. Here we investigated the combined effects of temperature on the lethal and sublethal responses of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae after exposure to commercial formulations of a neonicotinoid (thiamethoxam) and a pyrethroid (lambda-cyhalothrin) and their mixture. Firstly, the concentration-response curves of the insecticides were determined under four temperatures (15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, and 28 °C) by the leaf dipping method. Subsequently, the sublethal concentrations C0, CL1, CL5, CL10, CL15, CL20, and CL30 were selected to assess sublethal effects on aphids' longevity and reproduction under the same temperatures. The results showed that the mixture of thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin caused greater toxicity to aphids compared to the formulations with each active ingredient alone and that the toxicity was higher at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, the exposure to low concentrations of the mixture (thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin) and the separated insecticides induced stimulatory responses in the longevity and fecundity of exposed aphid females, but the occurrence of such hormetic responses depended on the insecticide type, its sublethal concentration, and the temperature as well as their interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bees provide key ecosystem services i.e., pollination but are functioning under various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among various stresses, thiamethoxam has been criticized worldwide. Since no scientific study on its sub-lethal effects on honey bees has been conducted in India, the present work was carried out at the Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana for two seasons during 2017-19. The median lethal dietary dose (LDD50) of thiamethoxam upon chronically feeding the sub-lethal doses for 10 days for a group of adult Apis mellifera bees (age 10 days) was 0.421 ng bee−1 day−1. At this level, the reduction in the area of an acinus of the hypopharyngeal gland was significant i.e., 36.62 and 37.92 percent over control during spring and winter seasons, respectively. The adverse impact of thiamethoxam on hypopharyngeal glands will be limiting the development and productivity of the honey bee colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A/R-TiO 2 -Ag 3 PO 4 photocatalyst was prepared by depositing Ag 3 PO 4 on the surface of anatase/rutile TiO 2 hollow spheres. • A/R-TiO 2 -Ag 3 PO 4 exhibited more efficient than A-TiO 2 -Ag 3 PO 4 and P25-Ag 3 PO 4 photocatalysts in pesticides degradation. • The combination of hollow structure and dual-heterojunction was the key parameter in promoting efficient photocatalytic performance. • Dual-pathway charge transfer mechanism suppresses the recombination of photogenerated charge pairs. • The photodegradation pathways and mechanism of pesticide were detailed. Exploring high-performance photocatalysts still remains a big challenge due to poor charge separation efficiency. Herein, we prepare a novel anatase/rutile TiO 2 -Ag 3 PO 4 hollow photocatalyst (A/R-TiO 2 -Ag 3 PO 4) for addressing this challenge. Microstructural characterization and photoelectric measurements confirm that the synergy of hollow structure and dual-heterojunction can provide abundant active sites and boost efficient charge separation through dual-pathway charge transfer mechanism. The A/R-TiO 2 -Ag 3 PO 4 photocatalyst exhibits the highest photocurrent density (15.25 µA cm−2), which is 8.4 and 5.2 times than that of A-TiO 2 -Ag 3 PO 4 (1.82 µA cm−2) and P25-Ag 3 PO 4 (2.93 µA cm−2), respectively. Photo-degradation experiment shows that A/R-TiO 2 -Ag 3 PO 4 presents a high degradation percentage (98.7 %) of thiamethoxam (THX) within 30 min, which is 1.45 and 1.23 times than that of A-TiO 2 -Ag 3 PO 4 (68.1 %) and P25-Ag 3 PO 4 (80.7 %), respectively. Furthermore, the degradation percentage of THX by A/R-TiO 2 -Ag 3 PO 4 is as high as 96.4 % after seven successive cycles, indicating excellent cycling stability. Therefore, this work provides a new insight into exploring other high-performance photocatalysts by combining hollow structure and dual-heterojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment conducted during kharif, 2019-20 (July 2019-February 2020) at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India on the management of pod fly with recommended chemicals (Imidacloprid 17.8 SL 0.20 ml+jaggary 10 g l-1 as first spray at 10 days after pod formation and second spray with Thiamethoxam 25 WG 0.2 g+jaggary 10 g l-1 at 15 days after first spray) in pigeonpea varieties sown under different dates revealed, minimum pod damage (21.07%), seed damage (14.51%) and yield (1062.66 kg ha-1) in variety TS 3R. However, significantly higher pod damage, seed damage and yield of 31.47%, 24.89% and 1251.13 kg ha-1, respectively was found in variety BSMR 736. Among different sowing dates, the crop sown on 20th July recorded significantly least pod damage (21.07%) and seed damage (14.06%) compared to 20th August sown crop which recorded significantly higher pod damage of 32.13% and seed damage of 25.86%. Yield was significantly higher in 20th July sown crop (1295.89 kg ha-1) and it was lower in the crop sown on 20th August (1032.90 kg ha-1). With respect to management, minimum pod damage (17.07%) and seed damage (11.52%) was noticed in protected plots while it was maximum in unprotected plots with 35.02 and 26.62% pod and seed damage, respectively. The yield was significantly higher in protected plots (1242.37 kg ha-1) when compared to unprotected plots (1080.65 kg ha-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Several differentially expressed genes encoding cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), namely, CYP9Z140, CYP9AY1, and UGT321AP1, were screened and verified between thiamethoxam-susceptible and resistant populations of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). The expression of the three genes was significantly enhanced after exposure to thiamethoxam. RNA interference of three genes increased mortality of test adults following thiamethoxam treatment. The findings reveal that the three genes have roles in the thiamethoxam resistance of L. decemlineata. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are involved in the evolution of insecticide resistance. Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), is a notorious insect that has developed resistance to various insecticides including neonicotinoids. This study investigated whether the differentially expressed P450 genes CYP9Z140 and CYP9AY1 and UGT gene UGT321AP1, found in our transcriptome results, conferred resistance to thiamethoxam in L. decemlineata. Resistance monitoring showed that the sampled field populations of L. decemlineata adults collected from Urumqi City and Qapqal, Jimsar, and Mulei Counties of Xinjiang in 2021–2023 developed low levels of resistance to thiamethoxam with resistance ratios ranging from 6.66- to 9.52-fold. Expression analyses indicated that CYP9Z140, CYP9AY1, and UGT321AP1 were significantly upregulated in thiamethoxam-resistant populations compared with susceptible populations. The expression of all three genes also increased significantly after thiamethoxam treatment compared with the control. Spatiotemporal expression patterns showed that the highest expression of CYP9Z140 and CYP9AY1 occurred in pupae and the midgut, whereas UGT321AP1 was highly expressed in adults and Malpighian tubules. Knocking down all three genes individually or simultaneously using RNA interference increased the sensitivity of adult L. decemlineata to thiamethoxam. These results suggest that overexpression of CYP9Z140, CYP9AY1, and UGT321AP1 contributes to the development of thiamethoxam resistance in L. decemlineata and provides a scientific basis for improving new resistance management of CPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoids are insecticides used worldwide in phytosanitary and biocidal products and veterinary pharmaceuticals. Recently, some restrictions and bans have been imposed due to their adverse effects on nontarget invertebrates, including pollinators. Although they may have direct and indirect effects on wild vertebrates, few studies have assessed exposure to these compounds in wild birds, so our knowledge remains limited. In the present pilot study we have assessed the prevalence of seven neonicotinoid insecticides and some of their metabolites in whole blood samples from 19 European roller (Coracias garrulus) nestlings and five adult common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) in an area treated with neonicotinoids to control the palm weevil (Rynchophorus ferrugineus) in southeastern Spain. One European roller nestling born in a palm tree was positive for thiamethoxam, with a concentration of 2.26 ng mL−1, but no residues of neonicotinoids or their metabolites were found in adult common kestrels. Future studies are needed to elucidate potential exposure to neonicotinoids at different times of the year. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of thiamethoxam residues in whole blood of a wild bird species after its ban in Spain. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1836–1843. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Edulis Fungi is the property of Acta Edulis Fungi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In eusocial insects, worker longevity is essential to ensure colony survival in brood-free periods. Trade-offs between longevity and other traits may render long-living workers in brood-free periods more susceptible to pesticides compared to short-lived ones. Further, colony environment (e.g., adequate nutrition) may enable workers to better cope with pesticides, yet data comparing long vs. short-living workers and the role of the colony environment for pesticide tolerance are scarce. Here, we show that long-living honey bee workers, Apis mellifera, are less susceptible to the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam than short-lived workers, and that susceptibility was further reduced when workers were acclimatized under colony compared to laboratory conditions. Following an OECD protocol, freshly-emerged workers were exposed to thiamethoxam in summer and winter and either acclimatized within their colony or in the laboratory. Mortality and sucrose consumption were measured daily and revealed that winter workers were significantly less susceptible than summer workers, despite being exposed to higher thiamethoxam dosages due to increased food consumption. Disparencies in fat body activity, which is key for detoxification, may explain why winter bees were less susceptible. Furthermore, colony acclimatization significantly reduced susceptibility towards thiamethoxam in winter workers likely due to enhanced protein nutrition. Brood absence and colony environment seem to govern workers' ability to cope with pesticides, which should be considered in risk assessments. Since honey bee colony losses occur mostly over winter, long-term studies assessing the effects of pesticide exposure on winter bees are required to better understand the underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoid insecticide seed treatments are commonly used in rice (Oryza sativa) production to control rice water weevil (Lisorhoptrus oryzophilus). With the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments, there is potential that honey bees (Apis mellifera) could be exposed to neonicotinoids through translocation to the pollen. Studies were conducted in 2015 and 2016 to determine the level of neonicotinoids present in flag leaves, pollen, and grain of rice. Thiamethoxam was applied as a seed treatment and foliar prior to flooding. Clothianidin was applied as a seed treatment and as a foliar at a preflood and postflood timing. Subsamples of flag leaves, pollen, and grain were analyzed for positive neonicotinoid detections and abundance. Thiamethoxam was detected in 8.9% of samples and clothianidin was detected in 1.4% of samples. For both thiamethoxam and clothianidin, more positive samples were observed in flag leaf samples than in pollen or grain. An average of 4.30 ng/g of thiamethoxam was detected in flag leaves from seed-applied thiamethoxam. An average of 1.25 ng/g of clothianidin was found in flag leaves from a preflood application of clothianidin. A survey of honey bees present in rice fields was conducted in Mississippi and Arkansas to determine the abundance of honey bees present in rice fields based on the time of day. Honey bee densities were low in rice, with less than 5% and 3% positive detections observed in Mississippi and Arkansas, respectively. More positive detections and higher densities of honey bees were observed for mid-day sampling than for morning or evening sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Asian Journals of Ecotoxicology is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Lycorma delicatula White (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), spotted lanternfly, is a univoltine, phloem-feeding, polyphagous and invasive insect in the United States. Although a primary host for this species is Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, tree of heaven, L. delicatula also feeds on many other plant species, including cultivated grapevines. As this species continues to spread, it is important to develop effective management tools. Here, we evaluated the residual efficacy of 4 insecticides commonly used in tree fruit management programs: dinotefuran, bifenthrin, carbaryl, and thiamethoxam. First, all mobile life stages (early instars, late instars, and adults) of L. delicatula were exposed for 1 h to dry insecticide residues (18 h old) applied to glass or A. altissima bark surfaces. While some mortality was detected immediately following the 1 h exposure period, 100% mortality occurred within 24 h for all materials and life stages exposed on both glass and bark surfaces. To evaluate longer residual activity of these materials, groups of adult L. delicatula were introduced into cages containing A. altissima trees treated with the same individual insecticides and exposed 6 h to residues that were 18 h or 7 days old. Paired, untreated A. altissima served as controls. In these bioassays, 48 h mortality for 18 h old residue reached 95% for thiamethoxam and 100% for bifenthrin and dinotefuran. Seven-day-old bifenthrin and dinotefuran residues again yielded 100% mortality, while thiamethoxam resulted in 58% mortality, and carbaryl yielded only 13.3% and was not significantly different from the control. These results clearly document the efficacy of specific insecticide applications as management tools against L. delicatula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important pest on winter wheat, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) causes damage to the wheat yield by sucking plant nutrients, transmitting plant viruses and producing mildew. R. padi has been reported to develop resistance to pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. To explore potential alternative approaches for R. padi control, the activity of 10 botanical insecticides was evaluated. Results suggested that the toxicity of rotenone and pyrethrins to R. padi were the highest and near to the commonly used chemical insecticides. When exposed to the low-lethal concentrations (LC10, LC30) of rotenone or pyrethrins for 24 h, the lifespan and fecundity of adults in F0 generation decreased significantly compared to control. The negative effect could also be observed in the F1 generation, including the decreased average offspring, longevity of adult, and prolonged nymph period. The population parameters in F1 generation of R. padi were also inhibited by exposing to the low-lethal concentrations of rotenone or pyrethrins, including the decreased net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase, finite rate of population increase, and gross reproduction rate. Co-toxocity factor results showed that mixtures of rotenone and thiamethoxam, pyrethrins and thiamethoxam showed synergistic effect. Our work suggested that rotenone and pyrethrins showed negative effect on the population growth under low-lethal concentrations. They are suitable for R. padi control as foliar spraying without causing population resurgence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The objective of this study is to explore the novel use of natural polymers like Humic acid, Lignin, and Lignite based hydrogels for the formulation of pesticides and fertilizers that would reduce the residues in soil and run‐off water that pose a threat to human health and the environment. We synthesized hydrogels by grafting Humic acid, lignin, and lignite onto acrylic acid with N′N‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) for the ex‐situ encapsulation of thiamethoxam, a common pesticide. Various characterization techniques including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, Carbon‐13 Solid‐state Cross‐Polarization Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, X‐ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Rheology were employed. The release kinetics of thiamethoxam in water from the developed formulations were analyzed using the Korsmeyer‐ Peppas model and the Weibull model. Humic acid and lignin‐based hydrogels exhibited a long‐sustained release for 49 hours, followed by lignite‐based hydrogels (38 hours). According to ANOVA results, the change of biopolymer proved to be an effective factor in reducing the water evaporation rate, which decreased from 99 % to 72.85 % in the soil amended with synthesized hydrogels. In conclusion, the novel formulations of humic acid, lignin, and lignite exhibit potential as slow‐release vehicles for pesticides and fertilizers. This study provides valuable insights for the research community, addressing the need to develop effective strategies for mitigating pesticide residues in soil and water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed coating with pesticides is used extensively for the protection of both seeds and plants against pests. In this study, the uptake and transport of seed-coating pesticides (insecticides), including cyantraniliprole (CYN) and thiamethoxam (THX), were investigated. The translocation of these pesticides from the soil to the plant and their accumulation in different plant parts were also calculated. After sowing the seeds with seed coating pesticides, soil and plant samples were taken across the study area. These samples were extracted and analyzed in liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). CYN and THX were used in maize plants for the first time to observe soil degradation kinetics, and CYN showed a higher half-life than THX in soil. Both pesticides have been taken up by the corn maize plant and transferred and accumulated to the upper parts of the plant. Although the THX concentration was between 2.240 and 0.003 mg/kg in the root, between 3.360 and 0.085 mg/kg in the stem, it was between 0.277 and 3.980 mg/kg in the leaf, whereas CYN was detected at higher concentrations. The concentration of CYN was 1.472 mg/ kg and 0.079 mg/kg in the roots and stems of the maize plant, respectively. However, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) indicates the soil-to-plant accumulation of CYN from 28 to 34.6 and that of 12.5 to 4567.1 for THX on different sampling days. The translocation factor (TFstem) represents the ratio of pesticides absorbed from the stem and transported to the roots. For CYN, TFstem ranges from 3.6 to 20.5, while for THX, it varies between 1.5 and 26.8, indicating a higher translocation rate for THX. The ratio of leaf to root concentration are 3.6 to 20.5 for CYN and 1.8 to 87.7 for THX, demonstrating effective translocation for both pesticides. The TF values for both pesticides are above 1, signifying successful root-to-stem-to-leaf movement. Notably, THX exhibits a notably higher transport rate compared to CYN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiamethoxam (THM), a neonicotinoid insecticide, controls various insect pests that attack fruits, vegetables, and field crops. However, improper handling and prolonged exposure to thiamethoxam can lead to adverse health effects. The objective of this study was to eliminate the toxic effects of THM in liver, kidney and brain of male rats by incorporating vitamin C into their diets. Rats were divided into six groups (8 males per group): the control group (which supplied distilled water orally), the vitamin C group (which injected 200 mg/kg BW of vitamin C), three THM groups received two graded levels as follows, 1/10 LD50 (156.3) and 1/20 LD50 (78.15) mg/kg BW orally. The results showed that exposure to THM at the two levels (1/10 and 1/20) reduces food intake, which reduces body weight gain, as well as carcass weights. It also reduces red blood cells and hemoglobin. It raises blood glucose and liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), as well as MDA, which indicates a high level of oxidative stress leading to decrease in immune-markers (IgM and IgA). Therefore, adding vitamin C in the rats' diet reflects all the above-mentioned parameters near to the control levels. The simultaneous application of vitamin C along with THM eliminated the harmful impacts of the pesticide on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant system, enhancing the liver, kidney, and immunoglobulin markers. The side effects of THM were also confirmed in histopathological examinations, where major alterations in liver, kidney, and brain tissues' structure were recorded. It concluded that vitamin C can mitigate adverse effects of the THM toxicity in non-target species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field studies were carried out to assess the incidence and management of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on nine promising potato varieties under sprayed condition and unsprayed condition during 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, U.P., India. The maximum incidence of whitefly (15.32/10 plants) was recorded in Kufri Lima followed by Kufri Lohit (14.57/10 plants), when crop remained unsprayed condition. In protected potato varieties viz., Kufri Kiran, Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Anand, Kufri Chipsona-3, Kufri Lohit, Kufri Khyati, Kufri Mohan, Kufri Bahar and Kufri Lima, the population of whitefly was low as compared to unsprayed condition. Potato varieties viz., Kufri Khyati, Kufri Anand and Kufri Mohan recorded the highest mean tuber yield of 43.51, 42.38, and 41.04 t/ha, respectively under sprayed condition. Similarly these varieties recorded maximum yield even under unsprayed condition. Thus, it is concluded from the present study that for effective management of whitefly, potato crop should be well protected by seed treatment with Imidacloprid followed by first spray of pymetrozine 50WG @ 0.06% (6 g/10 l), second spray of thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.05% (5 ml/10 l) and third spray of imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.03% (3 ml/10 l) as and when there will be any buildup of whitefly on potato, especially for seed crop to get maximum potential yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficacy of thiamethoxam 25 WG, an insecticide of neonicotinoid class @ 50, 75, 100 and 125 g/ha was evaluated against aphids in potato crop along with oxydemeton methyl 25 EC @ 750 ml/ha as a standard check at Entomological Research Farm, Ludhiana during 2018 and at three locations (Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar) through multi-location research trial during 2019. An untreated control was also kept for comparison. Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 100 g/ha proved significantly better than its lower dosages of 50 and 75 g/ha in controlling aphids in potato and the untreated control. Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 125 g/ha recorded minimum (0.74 mean numbers) of aphids per 3 leaves (pooled mean of 3 locations) after 7-days of spraying the insecticide. Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 100 and 125 g/ha resulted in significantly higher yield of 276.84 and 277.28 q/ha, respectively in pooled analysis and was significantly better than all other treatments. The net returns over control in thiamethoxam @ 100 g/ha were also better than oxydemeton methyl 25 EC. Hence, based on the above results, it can be concluded that the new molecule i.e., thiamethoxam @ 100 g/ha is effective against aphids infesting potato and will help in better management of this insect pest. It will also enhance the choice of farmers to select the chemicals from different groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the insecticide tolerance and dissipation potential of five Trichoderma isolates, namely T. asperellum (4 isolates) and T. harzianum (single isolate), to thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole in treated liquid medium and tomato fruit. The isolates were identified using ITS gene amplification and sequencing regions. In vitro tolerance was assessed using a poisoned medium technique, with mycelial placed onto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA.) media supplemented with commercial insecticides at recommended doses. Dissipation potential was determined using the isolates after independently inoculating them into PDB liquid media with Actara and Voliam Flexi. The results showed that the inhibitory effect of thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole was almost zero, and the five isolates were competent to reach 9 cm growth like the control after 96 h of incubation at 25°C ± 2°C. Mycelial fresh weights of T. harzianum EGY-T4 and T. asperellum EGY-T5 were significantly equal to their respective control without insecticide. T. asperellum EGY-T1 had the highest dissipation rate of 36% and 30% for thiamethoxam in Actara and Voliam Flexi when applied at the higher dose of 100 mg L-1. The dissipation rate of thiamethoxam was recorded at 92.2% when applied in combination with T. asperellum EGY-T1, reducing the PHI from 7 to 4 days. Chlorantraniliprole was dissipated to the extent of 51.3 and 99.5% when applied in combination with T. asperellum EGY-T1 and T. harzianum EGY-T4, respectively, with residues reaching up to 0.12 and 0.21 mg kg-1 after one day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeated pesticide residue detection in chili peppers in the Republic of Korea has become a serious health concern. Thus, monitoring domestically grown and imported chili peppers for pesticide residues is of great significance. Here, we investigated pesticide residues detected in imported and domestically grown chili peppers using global pesticide residue monitoring data. Our analysis involved organizing inspection and detection data from different sources. Global pesticide residue monitoring data for chili peppers revealed 139 pesticide types, 43,532 inspections, and 3966 detections (detection rate, 9.11%). Peppers from Mexico were sampled the most (39,927 inspections) and showed the highest number of detected cases (2998 cases). Globally, the top 10 most frequently detected pesticides were clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, chlorpyrifos, thiacloprid, metalaxyl, myclobutanil, azoxystrobin, carbendazim, and cyhalothrin, with detection rates in the range of 10.52–28.66%. Furthermore, domestic chili pepper pesticide residue monitoring revealed 73 pesticide types, 3535 inspections, and 332 detected cases (detection rate, 9.39%), and the top 10 most frequently detected pesticides were chlorfenapyr, tebuconazole, flonicamid, dinotefuran, boscalid, pyraclostrobin, fluxametamide, thiamethoxam, pyridaben, and azoxystrobin, with detection rates in the range of 13.89–32.58%. These findings may serve as fundamental data for safety management related to chili pepper pesticide residues in the Republic of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stink bug, Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae), is a highly destructive pest that significantly damages legume crops in East and South Asia. Neonicotinoid insecticides containing thiamethoxam are widely used to control R. pedestris in soybean fields. However, the current knowledge on the impact of different thiamethoxam concentrations on R. pedestris growth and reproduction is lacking and insufficient. The present study investigated the effects of thiamethoxam on the biological traits of R. pedestris after treatment with LC10 (19.8 mg/L), LC20 (31.6 mg/L), LC30 (44.2 mg/L), LC40 (58.9 mg/L), and LC50 (77.0 mg/L) concentrations. These five thiamethoxam concentrations (LC10~LC50) reduced adult longevity and fecundity in the F1 generation females. Thiamethoxam treatment also significantly decreased the population trend index, intrinsic rate of increase, net reproductive rate, gross reproductive rate, and finite rate of increase and increased the mean generation time. These results show that thiamethoxam hinders and suppresses the development and growth of the F1 population of R. pedestris. Thiamethoxam is recommended for spray control during peak adult emergence, as it not only has a controlling effect on the parental generation but also a negative impact on the F1 generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced oxidative processes, such as Photo-Fenton, transform organic contaminants due to the attack by radicals. In this context, the lethal and sub-lethal effects of the Cruiser® 350FS (CRZ) with the active ingredient thiamethoxam (TMX) were investigated using the planarian Girardia tigrina. Degradation of thiamethoxam by the Fenton process was also assessed by using theoretical studies and the efficiency of Solar-Fenton versus Fenton. The 48 h LC50 value of CRZ for planarians was 478.6 mg L−1. The regeneration of planarians was significantly affected for concentrations ≥ 17 mg·L−1 of TMX (24 h). The Solar-Fenton showed a high degradation percentage reaching ~70%. The theoretical model showed the atoms of the TMX molecule that will suffer attacks from the formed radicals. Current results open new perspectives concerning the treatment of TMX in the aquatic environment because the 70% degradation seems to be sufficient to reach concentrations that do not induce sub-lethal effects in planarians. Further studies should determine if the by-products generated might be toxic for planaria or other organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields are gradually increasing in Russian plains, though a limited yield exists, which could point back to insect pest incursion in wheat fields. However, in the past up to the present, yield losses due to insect pest invasion were approximately 20% annually. The latest study aims to determine the effectiveness of the insecticide Thiamethoxam (350 g/l) used in controlling insect pests through wheat seed treatment. The experiments laid out in 2019 and 2020 in the foothill zone of Abinsky, Astrakhan region, Russian Federation. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) used with four replications and a plot size of 100 m² . The treatment included one winter wheat variety and four treatments: T1 = Kaytoks, KS @ 0.5 l/t, T2 = Kaytoks, KS @ 1.0 l/t, T3 = Cruiser, KS @ 1.0 l/t, and T4 = the control (untreated). Based on the crop season evaluation, a significant increase resulted in the pest population (4.74 to 26.57 adults/m² ) in the control plots. The plots amended with insecticide Thiamethoxam (350 g/l) at the rate of 0.5 l/t showed lesser pest population (0.25 to 1.25 adults/m² ), and plots with 1.0 l/t ranged from 0 to 0.5 adults/m² . Results also revealed that insecticides of the manufacturers, i.e., Kaytoks, KS, and Cruiser, KS, proved effective in pest control, ranging from 80 to 100%. The wheat seeds treated with Kaytoks, KS (0.5 l/t) and (1.0 l/t) increased their yield compared with control by 9.3 to 14.8% (2019) and 15.6 to 17.3% (2020). Thus, to achieve insect pest control and yield increase in wheat varieties, seed treatment using Thiamethoxam (Kaytoks, KS) at an application rate of 1.0 l/t can be a vital crop protection tool for cereal crops and an eco-friendly method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most pesticide research has focussed on risk to managed honeybees, but other managed and wild bees are also exposed to pesticides. Critically, we know little about the magnitude and sources of risk to honeybees compared with other bees during crop pollination.To compare pesticide exposure and risk across wild and managed bees, we sampled the main bee groups present during bloom in 20 apple orchards, including managed honeybees (Apis mellifera), managed bumblebee workers (Bombus impatiens), wild mining bees (Andrena spp. and Andrena [Melandrena] spp.), bumblebee foundress queens (Bombus impatiens) and eastern carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica). We screened all bees for 92 pesticides and computed a Risk Quotient using available toxicity data (honeybee LD50s), adjusting for differences in toxicity known to scale with body mass. To gain insight into exposure origin, we compared residues in bees to those in focal orchard apple and dandelion flowers.Nearly all bee samples contained pesticides (95%), with the average contamination level ranging from 7.1 ± 2.8 parts per billion (ppb) in B. impatiens workers to 388.4 ± 146.2 ppb in Andrena. Exposure profiles were similar for all bees except A. mellifera, whose unique exposure profile included high levels of the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam.All bee groups except wild B. impatiens queens had at least one sample exceeding a US Environmental Protection Agency or European Food Safety Authority exposure level of concern. Apis mellifera experienced significantly greater risk than other bee groups, with 63% and 81% of samples exceeding an acute or chronic exposure level of concern, respectively. Risk to honeybees was driven primarily by high thiamethoxam levels not found in focal orchard flowers and likely originating outside the orchard.Synthesis and applications: We find that pesticide exposure and risk differ between honeybees and other managed and wild bees during apple pollination. Furthermore, pesticide exposure is a landscape‐scale phenomenon and therefore measures to reduce exposure must consider the surroundings beyond focal farms. Limiting orchard sprays, while reducing on‐farm exposures, will not protect far‐foraging bees from off‐farm exposures such as thiamethoxam, which we hypothesize is coming from nearby seed‐treated corn fields planted during apple bloom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiamethoxam, a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, is widely accepted for use against various chewing and sucking insect pests. In this particular study, the authors examined the dissipation kinetics and metabolism of thiamethoxam in wheat using quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) methodology combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) over two years during the same cropping season. Residues of thiamethoxam and its metabolites in wheat plants were investigated following foliar spray of thiamethoxam at recommended dose (12.5 g a.i. ha−1) and four times the recommended dose (50.0 g a.i. ha−1) at earhead formation stage. Total residues of thiamethoxam and its metabolites in leaves at 0 day (2 h after spray) ranged from 3.69 to 14.36 mg kg−1 for the two doses over the two years. Clothianidin was the only metabolite detected in leaves at 0 day (2 h after spray); however at 7 days after spray nitroguanidine, N-desmethyl-thiamethoxam and 1-methyl-3-nitroguanidine were also detected. Total residues of thiamethoxam and its metabolites in soil at 0 day (2 h after spray) ranged from 0.23 to 0.84 mg kg−1. Thiamethoxam residue in leaves and soil followed first order kinetics with half-life ranging from 9.04 to 15.50 days for the two doses over the two study years. Residues of thiamethoxam and its metabolites in leaves, straw and grain at harvest time for both the doses were below their limit of quantification (0.01 mg kg−1). This information could be helpful for evaluating both regulatory and food safety decisions regarding use of neonicotinoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a worldwide agricultural pest and is one of the most harmful invasive insect pests in the world. The overuse of insecticides has caused B. tabaci to develop high resistance against multiple insecticidal chemicals. It is well recognized that over-expression of cytochrome P450s involved in insecticide detoxification is one common and major mechanism of resistance to various classes of insecticides in insects. In addition to gene duplication and amplification, up-regulation of P450s at the transcriptional level is a common and important mechanism for P450-mediated insecticide resistance. Here, two new CYP450 genes from B. tabaci MEAM1 were cloned, and their expression patterns were studied in response to two different insecticides, high temperature, and their combined effects. The results showed that the insecticide tolerance could be reduced by high temperatures; under combined stress, the mortality of B. tabaci MEAM1 increased. This study is an important addition to the research on insecticide tolerance in B. tabaci and may help to reduce the overreliance on insecticides for B. tabaci control. Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is one of the most important invasive species in China, with strong insecticide resistance and thermotolerance. In this study, we investigated the effects of elevated temperature on the tolerance of B. tabaci MEMA1 to abamectin (AB) and thianethixam (TH) insecticides. We firstly cloned two new CYP450 genes from B. tabaci MEAM1, including one CYP6 family gene (BtCYP6k1) and one CYP305 family gene (BtCYP305a1). The expression patterns of the two BtCYP450 genes were compared in response to high-temperature stress and insecticide exposure, and RNAi was then used to demonstrate the role that these two genes play in insecticide tolerance. The results showed that expression of the two BtCYP450 genes could be induced by exposure to elevated temperature or insecticide, but this gene expression could be inhibited to a certain extent when insects were exposed to the combined effects of high temperature and insecticide treatment. For AB treatment, the expression of the two BtCYP450 genes reached the lowest level when insects were exposed to a temperature of 41 °C and treated with AB (combined effects of temperature and insecticide). In contrast, TH treatment showed a general decrease in the expression of the two BtCYP450 genes with exposure to elevated temperatures. These findings suggest that insecticide tolerance in B. tabaci MEAM1 could be mediated by high temperatures. This study provides a prospective method for the more effective application of insecticides for the control of B. tabaci in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiamethoxam and beta-cyfluthrin are commonly used insecticides for aphid control in greenhouse celery. It is of great significance to reveal their dissipation and accumulation characteristics for evaluating their dietary intake risks and optimizing application methods. Based on this, gas chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was used in the multi-reaction monitoring mode of mass spectrometry, The dynamics of residue digestion of two insecticides under three repeated spraying methods (combination I: thiamethoxam + beta-cyfluthrin, alternating II: thiamethoxam -betacyfluthrin - thiamethoxam, alternating III: beta-cyfluthrin - thiamethoxam - beta-cyfluthrin) and assessed the risk of chronic dietary intake. The results showed under the three continuous spraying methods, the original deposition amount was the highest after the second spraying (22 d after planting) and the lowest after the first spraying; and the celery leaf area index may be an important factor causing this phenomenon. According to the first-order kinetic equations, the digestion half-life of thiamethoxam and beta-cyfluthrin were 2.95-3.63 d and 2.33-3.11 d, respectively. Comparative analysis of residues after the safety interval of 7 d after three repeated spraying, residue of thiamethoxam and beta-cyfluthrin in combination I was higher than maximum residue limit (MRL) except for the first spraying(thiamethoxam:1mg/kg; beta-cyfluthrin:0.5 mg/kg); However, the residue of beta-cyfluthrin in alternating III exceeds the MRL after the last spraying. Since thiamethoxam could be metabolized to clothianidin, dynamic residue of clothianidin was determined. The highest concentration was obtained at 3-5 d after spraying. However, the residue of clothianidin was lower than MRL(0.04 mg/kg) after the pre-harvest interval (PHI); The results of risk assessment of dietary intake showed that in this standardized residue test in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, thiamethoxam and beta-cyfluthrin were combined and applied alternatly for three times. After the PHI of 7 d, the contribution rate of thiamethoxam and beta-cyfluthrin residues in celery samples collected to risk quotient (0.11%~3.76%) was lower than 100%, and the long-term dietary intake risk was at an acceptable level. The results showed that compared with combined application, pesticide residues could be reduced to some extent by alternate spraying, and the alternate spraying of thiamethoxam - bata-cyfluthrin - thiamethoxam showed the lowest residue level and contribution rate of dietary intake risk, which was the relatively best application strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk assessment for bees is mainly based on data for honey bees; however, risk assessment is intended to protect all bee species. This raises the question of whether data for honey bees are a good proxy for other bee species. This issue is not new and has resulted in several publications in which the sensitivity of bee species is compared based on the values of the 48‐h median lethal dose (LD50) from acute test results. When this approach is used, observed differences in sensitivity may result both from differences in kinetics and from inherent differences in species sensitivity. In addition, the physiology of the bee, like its overall size, the size of the honey stomach (for acute oral tests), and the physical appearance (for acute contact tests) also influences the sensitivity of the bee. The recently introduced Toxicokinetic–Toxicodynamic (TKTD) model that was developed for the interpretation of honey bee tests (Bee General Uniform Threshold Model for Survival [BeeGUTS]) could integrate the results of acute oral tests, acute contact tests, and chronic tests within one consistent framework. We show that the BeeGUTS model can be calibrated and validated for other bee species and also that the honey bee is among the more sensitive bee species. In addition, we found that differences in sensitivity between species are smaller than previously published comparisons based on 48‐h LD50 values. The time‐dependency of the LD50 and the specifics of the bee physiology are the main causes of the wider variation found in the published literature. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1431–1441. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Thiamethoxam (TMX) is a systemic insecticide used to combat plant pests that might significantly affect food security. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate its mammalian toxicity against male albino rats following short-term administration of sublethal doses. Methods: Two groups, control and treatment rats (eight males each), were orally administered distilled water and 1/20 LD50 (78.0 mg/kg B.W.) doses of TMX daily for 14 days. The biochemical, hematological, genotoxic, and histopathological responses were subsequently described. Results: The results revealed significant decreases in the specific activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and Mg+-ATPase in the TMX-treated rats compared to those in the control group. Additionally, alterations in blood parameters were reported for treated individuals. Significant increases in the number of tailings (14%), tail length (3.43 µm), tail DNA (3.62%), and tail moment (12.56%) as well as the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNs) were found in the TMX-treated animals. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of blood samples revealed swollen mitochondria with light-dense cristae, vacuoles (V), nuclei (N) (contained migrated chromatin), and rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) in comparison to the firm structure of the negative control. Conclusion: TMX exposure, especially at low doses, is an alarming sign of possible health hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic organic insecticides such as pyrethroids, organophosphates, neonicotinoids, and others have the potential to disrupt ecosystems and are often toxic to humans. Thiamethoxam (TMX), a neonicotinoid insecticide , is a widely used insecticide with neurotoxic potential. l-Carnitine (LC) is regarded as the "gatekeeper" in charge of allowing long-chain fatty acids into cell mitochondria. LC is an endogenous chemical that is renowned for its prospective biological activity in addition to its role in energy metabolism. This study investigated the protective effects of LC against TMX-induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. For 28 days, animals were divided into four groups and treated daily with either LC (300 mg/kg), TMX (100 mg/kg), or both at the aforementioned doses. Our results revealed marked serum lipid profile and electrolyte changes, declines in brain antioxidants and neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin levels) with elevations in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and proinflammatory cytokine levels, as well as acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase brain activity in TMX-treated rats. TMX also increased the expression of caspase-3 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. In contrast, pretreatment with LC attenuated TMX-induced brain injury by suppressing oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines and modulating neurotransmitter levels. It also ameliorated the expression of apoptotic and astrogliosis markers. It could be concluded that LC has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-astrogliosis, and anti-apoptotic potential against TMX neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to study the bioefficacy of six different insecticides (thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 0.01%, thiacloprid 21.7 SC @ 0.0032%, buprofezin 25EC @ 0.05%, spinosad 48 SC @ 0.017%, chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.007% and fenpropathrin 30 EC @ 0.01%) with a control (water spray) against sucking pests, viz., shoot and fruit borers, jassids, whiteflies and aphids, and harvest time residues in brinjal (Surti Ravaiya) at the College Farm, North Asian University, and Navsari during summer-2020. Among the different insecticides evaluated, chlorantraniliprole and spinosad were the most effective, fenpropathrin and buprofezin were the least effective insecticides against shoot and fruit borers, respectively. Thiamethoxam and thiacloprid were the most effective agents. Fenpropathrin and buprofezin were the least effective against whiteflies, jassids and aphids. After two hours of spray, the initial deposition order of the experimental insecticides was buprofezin (10.382 mg/kg) > fenpropathrin (5.602 mg/kg) > chlorantraniliprole (5.097 mg/kg) > thiamethoxam (4.886 mg/kg) > spinosad (3.984 mg/kg) > thiacloprid (3.332 mg/kg), while after 4 days of spray, the residue status of the brinjal fruit was in the order of fenpropathrin (0.539 mg/kg) > chlorantraniliprole (0.154 mg/kg) > thiacloprid (0.127 mg/kg) > thiamethoxam (0.099 mg/kg) > buprofezin (0.076 mg/kg) > spinosad (BDL). Overall, the highest percentage degradation of insecticide residues in brinjal fruits was registered with spinosad (100%), followed by buprofezin (99.26%), thiamethoxam (97.97%), chlorantraniliprole (96.97%), thiacloprid (96.18%) and fenpropathrin (90.37%) after 4 days of II spray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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BACKGROUND: To improve integrated pest management (IPM) performance it is essential to assess pesticide side effects on host plants, insect pests, and natural enemies. The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer) is a major insect pest that attacks various crops. Aphidius gifuensis is an essential natural enemy of M. persicae that has been applied effectively in controlling M. persicae. Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid pesticide widely used against insect pests. RESULTS: The current study showed the effect of thiamethoxam against Solanum tuberosum, M. persicae, and A. gefiuensis and the physiological and molecular response of the plants, aphids, and parasitoids after thiamethoxam application. Thiamethoxam affected the physical parameters of S. tuberosum and generated a variety of sublethal effects on M. persicae and A. gefiuensis, including nymph development time, adult longevity, and fertility. Our results showed that different thiamethoxam concentrations [0.1, 0.5, and 0.9 μm active ingredient (a.i.)/L] on different time durations (2, 6, and 10 days) increased the antioxidant enzyme activities SOD, POD, and CAT of S. tuberosum, M. persicae, and A. gefiuensis significantly compared with the control. Our results also showed that different thiamethoxam concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 0.9 μm a.i./L) on different time durations (2, 6, and 10 days) increased the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) genes of S. tuberosum, M. persicae, and A. gefiuensis compared with the control. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal that using thiamethoxam at suitable concentrations and time durations for host plants and natural enemies may enhance natural control through the conservation of natural enemies by overcoming any fitness disadvantages. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bees come under stress if thiamethoxam (a neonicotinoid insecticide) is used on their forage crops. The lethal and sub-lethal effects of this insecticide have largely been documented on foraging bees in comparison to the non-foraging stages especially the immature stages. Hence, the present study, to know the effect of thiamethoxam (25 and 50 g a.i. ha−1) on the brood of Apis mellifera colonies in mustard was conducted. Brood index, compensation index, and brood termination rate were calculated for the brood area (2 sq. inch) selected at two time intervals i.e. at the time of spray (D0) and seven days after that (D7). Brood index for the brood selected at D7 of thiamethoxam applied at 25 g a.i. ha−1 was statistically at par with the untreated control i.e. its value at 21 days (1.00 ± 0.00-4.48 ± 0.04) was statistically at par with the untreated control (1.00 ± 0.00-4.66 ± 0.01). However, in other treatments viz. brood selected at D0 in thiamethoxam applied at 25 g a.i. ha−1 and at D0 and D7 in thiamethoxam applied at 50 g a.i. ha−1, significant brood mortality was recorded at the end of the brood cycle. Compensation indices and brood termination rates also showed similar effects. Overall, it is concluded that thiamethoxam at the recommended dose i.e. 25 g a.i. ha−1 did not affect the brood which was reared 7 days after the application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]