An extensive review on the consequences of chemical pesticides on human health and environment

Shining a light on environmental science: Recent advances in SERS technology for rapid detection of persistent toxic substances

Persistent toxic substances (PTS) represent a paramount environmental issue in the 21st century. Understanding the concentrations and forms of PTS in the environment is crucial for accurately assessing their environmental health impacts. This article presents a concise overview of the components of PTS, pertinent environmental regulations, and conventional detection methodologies. Additionally, we offer an in-depth review of the principles, development, and practical applications of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in environmental monitoring, emphasizing the advancements in detecting trace amounts of PTS in complex environmental matrices. Recent progress in enhancing SERS sensitivity, improving selectivity, and practical implementations are detailed, showcasing innovative materials and methods. Integrating SERS with advanced algorithms are highlighted as pivotal areas for future research.

Assessment of the effect of non-ionic surfactant alkylphenol ethoxylates on the penetration of pesticides in fresh produce

Understanding the penetration behaviour of pesticide active ingredient (AI) in the presence of adjuvants is important in managing application efficacy and minimizing residues. This study investigates the impact of non-ionic surfactant alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) on the penetration of two pesticides, systemic thiabendazole and non-systemic phosmet, in apple and spinach. Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) was employed using two different detection methods, namely XZ depth mapping and XY area mapping, in conjunction with liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to investigate the penetration of various pesticide formulations over time. The SERS results showed that APEOs significantly increased the penetration depth of thiabendazole by 93.3 % in spinach and 21.4 % in apples, as well as enhanced the characteristic peak intensity by 73.52 % in spinach and 152.24 % in apples at the depth level of -60 µm after 3-day exposure. LC-MS/MS confirmed the consistent increases in internal thiabendazole residues in both fresh produce models due to APEOs. However, APEOs did not affect the penetration of the non-systemic phosmet in either apple or spinach. The combination of these two SERS mapping methods can provide a comprehensive understanding of the penetration profiles of different systemic pesticide formulations at various sensoria. This research advances the application of SERS mapping for studying the impact of nonionic surfactants on pesticide penetration which will aid the development of strategies to improve pesticide application efficiency and enhance food safety.

Novel neonicotinoid insecticide cycloxaprid exhibits sublethal toxicity to honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) workers by disturbing olfactory sensitivity and energy metabolism

The risk of neonicotinoid insecticides to honeybees is a global issue. Cycloxaprid (CYC) is a novel neonicotinoid insecticide with outstanding activities, good safety profiles, and no cross-resistance with other neonicotinoids. Information on the environmental risks of CYC is limited, especially its effects on honeybees. Herein, the acute and chronic toxicities of CYC on honeybees were evaluated, and the underlying mechanisms were explored via transcriptomics and molecular docking. The results indicate that CYC had high toxicity to honeybees, with a 48-h oral median lethal dose of 32.8 ng/bee. Over a 10-days of chronic exposure to CYC at sublethal concentration 30 μg/L, the honeybees showed significantly decreased survival rates and food consumption. Additionally, the sensitivity of honeybees to sucrose and odors and CO2 production was significantly reduced. Furthermore, molecular docking revealed that CYC has higher binding affinity than odors to odorant-binding proteins, and the olfactory and metabolism pathways gene expression was negatively affected at transcriptome level. These findings indicate that CYC at sublethal concentration can pose risks to honeybees by affecting their olfactory function and energy metabolic balance. Further study and consideration are needed to fully exploit the benefits of this pesticide.

Sustainable approach to polystyrene management and bioinsecticide production: Biodegradation by Tenebrio molitor larvae co-fed with residual biomass and bioactivity of frass pyrolysis bio-oil against insect pests

Tenebrio molitor has gained attention as a potential solution for plastic pollution. This study explored the biodegradation of polystyrene (PS) by mealworms co-fed with rice bran (RB) under an optimized rearing scheme. The RB co-diet significantly increased PS consumption by two-fold compared to wheat bran (WB). Additionally, RB supported mealworm growth with favorable survival and feed conversion rates. Protein content of mealworms remained unchanged with PS plus RB, while significantly increased lipid stores and improved the fatty acid profile. Frass from PS (1) and biomass (2) intake was subjected to pyrolysis. Bio-oils from frass 2 exhibited insecticidal activity against Plodia interpunctella adults and Culex pipiens pipiens larvae. Finally, bio-oils demonstrated low toxicity to the aquatic non-target species Artemia salina, with up to three-fold selectivity towards Cx. p. pipiens. These findings highlight RB's role in PS management and the potential application of bio-oil as bioinsecticide.

In-depth screening of pesticide exposure in children from urban and agricultural settings in Poland

The widespread occurrence of pesticides requires thorough evaluations of human population exposure to these chemicals, particularly children, because of the potential long-term effects of some of these neurotoxicants. The present study describes an in-depth screening of 15 pesticides including organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, triazoles, neonicotinoids and their main metabolites. Internal exposure of 7-9-year-old children from urban and agricultural locations in Poland (n = 399) has been studied. Urine samples were incubated with a beta-glucuronidase solution, then extracted using solid-phase extraction and analysed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. All compounds or their metabolites were above limits of detection in some individuals, evidencing the widespread occurrence of these pesticides regardless of chemical group and patterns of application. 3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinol (metabolite of chlorpyrifos) was the compound found with the highest median concentration (2.0 μg/g creatinine, detection frequency (DF) 96 %), followed by 4-nitrophenol (metabolite of parathion; median 1.8 μg/g creatinine, DF 94 %) and 2-diethylamino-6-methylpirimidin-4-ol (metabolite of pirimiphos; median 0.91 μg/g creatinine, DF 70 %). Organophosphates were therefore the pesticide group most frequently identified and in higher concentration. The found concentrations involved hazard quotients higher than the risk threshold (>1) in 44 children. Concerning mixtures, 65 children had hazard indices >1. From a population point of view, these results show a high exposure to pesticides, specifically organophosphates, in comparison to other children from other locations. The relevance of organophosphate pesticides is unexpected considering the theoretical discontinuation of the use of most compounds of this chemical class as a consequence of EU regulations.

Pathogenicity of Serratia marcescens strains as biological control agent: Implications for sustainable pest management

The escalating demand for sustainable and eco-friendly pest management strategies has raised interest in harnessing the pathogenic potential of microorganisms. Serratia marcescens, a Gram-negative bacterium, has emerged as a potential biological control agent for sustainable pest management. This review critically examines the history, biology, identification, and pathogenicity of S. marcescens strain with their potential application in pest management. The diverse mechanisms employed by the strain to exert control over pests, including the production of metabolites and the induction of systemic resistance in plants, are examined. The review also summarizes the ecological significance and global distribution of S. marcescens associated with the use of S. marcescens in biological control strategies. Furthermore, the usage efficacy of S. marcescens over other conventional chemicals is discussed. A comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic potential of S. marcescens strains as biological control agents is crucial for developing effective and sustainable pest management strategies. This review consolidates current research advances on S. marcescens, and provides insights into the prospects and challenges of using S. marcescens for integrated pest management.

Synthesis of 1,2,4-triazole-based deep eutectic solvents modified nickel ferrite nanoparticles and their application in dispersive solid phase extraction of triazole pesticides prior to LC-MS/MS analysis

A dispersive solid phase extraction method using new magnetic nanoparticles based on nickel ferrite was introduced for the extraction of six triazole pesticides (penconazole, hexaconazole, tebuconazole, diniconazole, triadimefon, and difenoconazole) from water samples before liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses. Initially, a new deep eutectic solvent was synthesized with 1,2,4-triazole and n-octanol for surface modification of the nanoparticles easily achieved through microwave radiation. The nanoparticles morphology, magnetic properties, adsorption capacity, isotherms, and crystalline patterns of the sorbent were examined. The capability of the sorbent was evaluated by extracting the target pesticides from water samples showing significant differences in adsorption capacity and efficiency between the modified and non-modified nanoparticles. High extraction recoveries (68-86 %) were achieved for the analytes using small amounts of the sorbent with low limits of detection (0.03-0.08 ng mL-1) and quantification (0.13-0.29 ng mL-1), a wide linear range (0.29-250 ng mL-1), and acceptable precision (relative standard deviations ≤6.9 %).

Teff (Eragrostis tef) phytochemicals: Isolation, identification, and assessment of allelopathic and antimicrobial potential for pollution control and environmental sustainability

Setaria pumila (SP) and latuca sativa are the prominent teff (Eragrostis tef) weeds negatively impacting yield. The allelopathic (weed-suppressing) effects of ten teff varieties were examined for plant growth inhibitory effects, as well as for antagonism against certain major plant infections caused by bacteria and their subsequent antioxidant properties. The in vitro germination and antimicrobial assays were carried out in controlled laboratory settings. The teff cultivar DZ-Cr-387 suppressed weed germination and had substantial allelopathic potential. Both teff shoot and root extracts were noted to have an allelopathic influence on experimental seed germination in comparison to the control. Observations were made on the germination percentage, rate of germination, and germination duration. Additionally, extracts from teff shoots and roots showed significant free radical scavenging activity. Reactive oxygen species, or ROS, have been demonstrated to operate as both signalling compounds and harmful molecules that can oxidatively affect plant tissues throughout all stages of their lifecycle. The highest level of inhibition was reported in DZ-Cr-387 and DZ-01-1681, with a free radical scavenging potential of 85 percentage. The allelopathic teff varieties were also clustered together, indicating that these teff varieties have the potential for allelopathic and anti-microbial capabilities. These allelopathic chemicals can be employed as part of eco-friendly weed management strategies, to generate antimicrobial compositions to combat plant diseases for sustainable agriculture and for use in organic farming. Utilizing these teff varieties will benefit organic farmers by lowering their reliance on chemical inputs in traditional farming systems.

Determination of paclobutrazol using square wave voltammetry based on a molecularly imprinted polymer and boron-doped copper oxide/graphene nanocomposite

In the present study, a novel voltammetric sensor based on a boron-doped copper oxide/graphene (B-CuO-Gr) nanocomposite and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was developed for the detection of paclobutrazol (PAC) in apple and orange juice samples. The B-CuO-Gr nanocomposite was prepared using sol-gel and calcination methods. After modifying glassy carbon electrodes with the B-CuO-Gr nanocomposite, PAC-imprinted electrodes were prepared in the presence of 100.0 mM pyrrole (Py) monomer and 25.0 mM PAC using cyclic voltammetry (CV). After elucidating the surface properties of the prepared B-CuO-Gr nanocomposite and PAC-imprinted electrodes using various characterization techniques, the PAC-imprinted sensor was successfully applied to apple and orange juice samples, demonstrating high recovery. A linear range of 1.0 × 10-9 to 1.0 × 10-8 M PAC (R2 = 0.9983) and a detection limit (LOD) of 3.30 × 10-10 M were observed, along with high selectivity, stability, and reproducibility for the MIP/B-CuO-Gr/GCE sensor.

Application of nanomaterials in the detection of pesticide residues in spices

With the development of global trade and the improvement of consumer safety awareness, the problem of pesticide residues in spices has received considerable attention. At the same time, with the advancement of nanotechnology, nanomaterials have shown great potential in pesticide residue detection. Given the wide variety of spices and their complex matrices, there has been a lack of a comprehensive review on the application of nanomaterials in pesticide residue detection in spices until now. In this study, the advancements in research on newly developed nanomaterials were examined for the detection of pesticide residues in spices over the last 10 years, focusing on the applications of carbon nanotubes, graphene and its derivatives, metal nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, molecularly imprinted polymers, and quantum dots. Additionally, this study also explores the advantages and challenges of different nanomaterials' applications and predicts their development trends, aiming to provide a reference for future research.

Enhancing compatibility of polylactic acid and lignin through acetylation for improving controlled release of pesticide

BACKGROUND

Improving the compatibility between polylactic acid (PLA) and lignin is crucial for developing innovative PLA-based controlled release systems for pesticides. This study addresses the challenge of enhancing the compatibility of alkali lignin (AL) with PLA by acetylated lignin (ACL). The main aim is to synthesize and evaluate pesticide-loaded microspheres for controlled release performance using fluazinam (FZ) as the model pesticide.

RESULTS

We synthesized three distinct pesticide-loaded microspheres (FZ@PLA, FZ@AL-PLA, and FZ@ACL-PLA). The results demonstrated a significant enhancement in the spherical morphology of FZ@ACL-PLA compared to FZ@AL-PLA, attributed to the introduction of acetyl groups that transformed the surface from irregularities to a smooth, rounded, and microporous architecture. This structural modification notably boosted the pesticide loading capacity to 42.44 wt% and entrapment efficiency to 89.20%. Controlled release studies exhibited prolonged release beyond 30 days without equilibrium attainment for FZ@ACL-PLA. This was facilitated by hydrogen bonding between ACL-PLA and FZ, coupled with a spatial site-blocking effect, effectively restraining abrupt pesticide release. Kinetic analysis revealed Fickian diffusion as the primary release mechanism at moderate temperatures and anomalous transport at elevated temperatures. Additionally, FZ@ACL-PLA demonstrated commendable storage stability and photostability.

CONCLUSION

The study underscores the efficacy of ACL-modified PLA microspheres in efficiently entrapping FZ and enabling controlled release. The findings offer crucial insights for developing PLA-based pesticide-controlled release systems, highlighting the significance of ACL in enhancing pesticide loading, entrapment efficiency, and controlled release performance. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Groundbreaking Technologies and the Biocontrol of Fungal Vascular Plant Pathogens

This review delves into innovative technologies to improve the control of vascular fungal plant pathogens. It also briefly summarizes traditional biocontrol approaches to manage them, addressing their limitations and emphasizing the need to develop more sustainable and precise solutions. Powerful tools such as next-generation sequencing, meta-omics, and microbiome engineering allow for the targeted manipulation of microbial communities to enhance pathogen suppression. Microbiome-based approaches include the design of synthetic microbial consortia and the transplant of entire or customized soil/plant microbiomes, potentially offering more resilient and adaptable biocontrol strategies. Nanotechnology has also advanced significantly, providing methods for the targeted delivery of biological control agents (BCAs) or compounds derived from them through different nanoparticles (NPs), including bacteriogenic, mycogenic, phytogenic, phycogenic, and debris-derived ones acting as carriers. The use of biodegradable polymeric and non-polymeric eco-friendly NPs, which enable the controlled release of antifungal agents while minimizing environmental impact, is also explored. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and machine learning can revolutionize crop protection through early disease detection, the prediction of disease outbreaks, and precision in BCA treatments. Other technologies such as genome editing, RNA interference (RNAi), and functional peptides can enhance BCA efficacy against pathogenic fungi. Altogether, these technologies provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable and precise management of fungal vascular diseases, redefining pathogen biocontrol in modern agriculture.

Efficacy of Household and Commercial Washing Agents in Removing the Pesticide Thiabendazole Residues from Fruits

Pesticide residues on fruits pose a global food safety concern, emphasizing the need for effective and practical removal strategies to ensure safe consumption. This study investigates the efficacy of household ingredients (corn starch, all-purpose flour, rice flour and baking soda) and four commercial fresh produce wash products in eliminating a model pesticide thiabendazole with and without a model non-ionic surfactant Alligare 90® from postharvest fruits. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was employed for the rapid, in situ quantification of residue removal on apple surfaces. Soaking in 2% corn starch followed by soaking in 5% baking was the most effective homemade strategy, removing 94.13% and 91.78% of thiabendazole with and without the surfactant. Among commercial washing agents, soaking in 2% Product 4 demonstrated the highest efficiency, removing 95.3% and 95.99% of thiabendazole with and without surfactant. These results suggested that the non-ionic surfactant did not affect removal efficiency. Both protocols were effective across various fruits (apples, grapes, lemons, strawberries), validated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses. However, safety concerns regarding the composition of Product 4 highlighted the benefits of homemade strategies. Overall, this work offers practical guidelines for reducing pesticide residues on fruits and enhancing food.

Tropical fruit-derived Lactiplantibacillus as potential probiotic and antifungal agents against Fusarium oxysporum

Fifty-five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from seven selected tropical fruits, with Solanum nigrum exhibiting the highest LAB prevalence and Couroupita guianenis and Musa fruits showing the lowest counts. Two strains isolated from Ficus racemosa demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum. 16S rDNA sequencing identified these strains as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYSVCF3 and Lpb. argentoratensis MYSVCF5. The isolates displayed adaptability to a broad range of environmental conditions, including temperatures of 10-45 °C, pH 2-6, and salt up to 7%. The strains tolerated simulated gastrointestinal conditions of acid (pH-2), phenol (0.6%), and bile (0.3%) suggesting potential probiotic attributes. Lpb. argentoratensis MYSVCF5 inhibited F. oxysporum, two ESKAPE group bacteria (P. aeruginosa, S. aureus) plus S. paratyphi and E. coli. The cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Lpb. argentoratensis MYSVCF5 reduced the growth of fungal biomass by 94% and completely inhibited conidial germination, retaining activity even after extended cold storage. LC-MS/MS analysis identified organic acids in the CFS, with citric acid as the most abundant at 34.9 (± 0.3) µg/mL, followed by lactic (8.3 µg/mL) and malic acids (5.2 µg/mL). This study isolated a novel LAB, a potential candidate having probiotics and antifungal properties for application in food and agriculture.

Energy-Transfer-Based Dual-Mode PEC-ECL Biosensor for Acetamiprid Analysis Sensitized by Two-Step DNA Circuit Amplification

Sensitive and accurate determination of acetamiprid is highly desirable for guaranteeing food safety. In this Letter, an energy-transfer-based dual-mode biosensor was developed using zinc-based metal-organic frameworks (Zn-MOFs) acting as both photoelectrochemical (PEC) and electrochemiluminescent (ECL) donors and Pt@Cu2O cubic nanocrystals (CNs) as the energy acceptor for detecting acetamiprid. By integration of aptamer recognition with two-step DNA circuit amplification (entropy-driven DNA cycle and DNA walker), the detection of acetamiprid was converted into the assay of abundant intermediate DNA strands. With the help of nicking endonuclease, a large number of single-stranded DNAs was generated on the surface of Zn-MOFs, which were used as multifunctional PEC and ECL substrates. Through competitive hybridization, Pt@Cu2O CNs as broad-spectrum quenchers were introduced, thereby enabling changes in the PEC and ECL responses for acetamiprid quantitation. The experimental results proved that the combination of energy transfer, two-step DNA circuit amplification, and dual-mode sensing strategy achieved the sensitive and accurate analysis of acetamiprid, with low detection limits of 20.2 fM (PEC mode) and 17.5 fM (ECL mode) within a wide range from 0 to 1 × 10-9 M. The excellent specificity, reproducibility, and practicality confirmed the potential application of the biosensor for pesticide-related food safety.

Paper-based multicolor sensor for on-site quantitative detection of organophosphate pesticides based on acetylcholinesterase-mediated paper-based Au3+-etching of gold nanobipyramids and CIELab color space

On-site quantitative detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) is crucial for safeguarding food and public safety. This study presents a novel acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-mediated paper-based Au3+-etching of gold nanobipyramids (AuNBPs) system. The system employs a long-term storable AuNBPs-deposited nylon membrane embedded within a portable and temperature-controlled paper-based analytical device. This system, coupled with a colorimeter-based quantitative method, enables the development of a practical paper-based multicolor sensor (PMS) for on-site quantitative detection of three common OPs (paraoxon, dichlorvos, and trichlorfon). In the absence of OPs, AChE hydrolyzes acetylthiocholine to thiocholine, which reduces Au3+ to Au+. The presence of OPs inhibits AChE activity, thereby preserving Au3+ to etch AuNBPs on nylon membranes, accompanied by multicolor changes. These color changes can be simply quantified by measuring the a∗ parameter of the CIELab color space using a portable colorimeter. Under optimal conditions, the PMS displayed eight OPs-corresponding color changes with a minimum detectable concentration of 1.0-10 μg/L (visual observation) and limits of detection of 0.8-7.2 μg/L (colorimeter) and 0.2-3.4 μg/L (UV-vis spectrometry). The PMS successfully determined the OPs in vegetable and rice samples with recoveries of 89.0-109 % and RSDs (n = 5) of <6 %. These results were consistent with those obtained using the HPLC-MS method. The PMS demonstrates excellent portability, AuNBPs stability, detection sensitivity, and reproducibility, making it a promising tool for the on-site quantitative detection of OPs residues in food. Furthermore, the paper-based etching system coupled with the colorimeter-based quantitative method provides a valuable reference to develop practical PMSs for various targets in diverse fields.

Enhanced industrial wastewater monitoring: method development for non-target screening of highly polar substances using ZIC-HILIC-HRMS

Non-target screening (NTS) plays a major role in the monitoring and management of water bodies. While the NTS of moderate to non-polar substances is well-established, the screening of highly polar chemicals remains challenging. In this study, a robust separation method for highly polar substances using zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (ZIC-HILIC-HRMS) was developed. This method was specifically designed for the NTS of industrial wastewater, with the objective of capturing a wide range of polar contaminants in each acquisition run. Method validation included assessing key parameters such as repeatability, reproducibility, linearity, and limit of detection (LOD). For repeatability and reproducibility, the average %RSD of intensity and retention time across all substances in different matrices-solvent, influent, and effluent-remained below 6% and 1%, respectively (n = 10). The method demonstrated good linearity (R2 > 0.99) for 75% of the substances, while LODs varied between 0.1 and 40 µg/L depending on the compound tested. The method was then applied for NTS analysis of untreated wastewater at various locations within a chemical industrial park. Additionally, the overall influent and effluent of an industrial wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were monitored over a 10-day period. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to interpret the data, identifying irregularities in the wastewater content. Moreover, the method demonstrated the WWTP's ability to achieve an average removal efficiency of approximately 90% for this category of substances in this period, while also detecting their degradation products in the effluent. Finally, the method was successfully integrated into the daily monitoring routine of the WWTP, ensuring continuous surveillance and improved management of wastewater treatment processes.

In situ quantification of fungicide residue on wheat leaf surfaces using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry imaging technology

To overcome the time-consuming off-site limitations in conventional pesticide detection, this contribution presents an in situ quantitative analysis detection strategy for pesticides on leaf surfaces using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry imaging technology. Taking fungicide metrafenone as a representative, we initially screened seven commonly used matrices, and identifying α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid as the most effective one in positive mode. Subsequently, coating the matrix using sublimation spraying method resulted in the highest mass intensity. The optimal combination of operation parameters were established with imaging step size of 30 μm × 30 μm, laser diameter of 75 μm, and laser energy of 4.01 μJ/pulse. Under these conditions, a lowest detection limit of 0.6 ng/mm2 was reached for metrafenone, demonstrating extremely high sensitivity and strong repeatability. This method exhibits great potential for the analysis of various pesticides, including triadimefon and tebuconazole, thereby offering innovative approaches to the analysis of pesticide residues.

A review of acaricides and their resistance mechanisms in hard ticks and control alternatives with synergistic agents

Ticks are significant ectoparasites that transmit a variety of pathogens, leading to serious human and animal diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and many others. The emergence of acaricide resistance in hard ticks presents a formidable challenge for public health and livestock management, exacerbated by the increasing incidence of tick-borne diseases and associated economic losses, estimated at $20 billion annually in the livestock sector alone. This review examines the mechanisms underlying acaricide resistance, focusing on genetic mutations, metabolic detoxification processes, and behavioral adaptations in tick populations. We detail the role of commercial acaricides in tick control while emphasizing the adverse effects of their overuse, which contributes to the development of resistant strains. Innovative control strategies are explored, including using pesticide synergists that enhance the efficacy of existing acaricides by targeting the tick's phosphagen system. Additionally, this review highlights the importance of understanding the synergistic interactions between various control methods, including non-chemical approaches such as personal protection measures and landscape management. The review concludes by underscoring the urgent need for novel acaricides with new modes of action and implementing regular monitoring practices to combat acaricide resistance effectively. Addressing these challenges is vital for the sustainable management of tick populations and protecting public health and livestock productivity.

Use of by-products from the industrial distillation of lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) essential oil as effective bioherbicides

Weeds are one of the main problems causing losses in agricultural crops, which are nowadays mainly combated by the massive use of chemical herbicides. The development of new effective, sustainable, environmentally and health-friendly bioherbicides is a fundamental need worldwide. In this work, hydrolates and lavandin distilled straws produced during the distillation of the essential oil of lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) were tested as potential bioherbicides. The weeds used were brome, annual ryegrass (monocotyledons), goosefoot and mat amaranth (dicotyledons) and the crops wheat, barley (monocotyledons), lentil and vetch (dicotyledons). The herbicidal capacity of both by-products was studied by applying the hydrolates in vitro on seeds and mixing the distillation straws with the growing substrate. Lavandin hydrolates significantly inhibited germination and growth of the four weeds used, being also phytotoxic for monocotyledonous crops, but hardly showed a phytotoxic effect on the dicotyledonous crops (lentil and vetch). With respect to lavandin distilled straws, they had an allelopathic effect of growth inhibition on all weeds and crops used in the work. In both by-products, lysophosphatidylcholine was identified as one of the major metabolites, while coumaroyl hexoside and feruloyl hexoside were identified as major metabolites only present in the straws. So far, only the phytotoxic capacity of the metabolites lysophosphatidylcholine and coumaroyl hexoside had been described. Therefore, by-products from the industrial distillation of lavandin could be used in the development of effective and sustainable bioherbicides, due to the allelopathic capacity of the metabolites present.

Systematic characterization of the bZIP gene family in Colletotrichum siamense and functional analysis of three family members

The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in many physiological processes of plant-pathogenic fungi, especially concerning fungal development, fungicide resistance, and pathogenicity. Colletotrichum siamense is the predominant species causing Colletotrichum leaf disease (CLD) in rubber trees. However, little is known about the bZIP genes in C. siamense. In this study, 25 bZIP genes were systematically identified in the genome of C. siamense, and molecular features were characterized. Evolutionarily, the CsbZIP genes were divided into 11 groups, with the members in the same group sharing similar gene structures and conserved protein motif organizations. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed that 15 bZIP proteins had functional partners in common or interacted with other CsbZIP proteins. Additionally, the expression of 23 CsbZIP genes changed in response to the antifungal chemicals melatonin, prochloraz, and thymol, and the genes could be divided into three clusters based on their expression patterns. Finally, gene deletion mutants of CsbZIP01/09/17 were constructed and functional analysis indicated that these genes operated as important regulators of mycelial growth, fungicide resistance, ergosterol biosynthesis, and virulence in C. siamense. This study provided the foundations crucial for further investigation of the functions of CsbZIP TFs in fungicide resistance and virulence.

Growing mismatches of supply and demand of ecosystem services in the Netherlands

A sufficient supply of goods and services from ecosystems is vital to ensure human well-being. This study evaluates whether the demand for goods and services within the Netherlands is met by Dutch ecosystems, could otherwise be provided through technology and/or by imports, or remains (partially) unmet. Additionally, this study shows the dynamics of supply and demand of these services over time. The results reveal that no ecosystem service supply is fully meeting the total demand provided by Dutch ecosystems. Additionally, for the majority of the services (10 out of 17), the gap between supply and demand widened over the last two decades, indicating a growing mismatch. Imports and technology only partly close the gap between supply and demand. The growing mismatch between supply and demand is expected to lead to increasing negative impacts on human well-being, such as poor air and water quality, heat stress in urban areas, increasing flood risks, limiting opportunities for outdoor recreation and loss of biodiversity. Our findings show that current policy goals to maintain and restore ecosystem services are not on track in the Netherlands. Urgent action is necessary to enhance the sustainable utilization of natural resources and to optimize the balance between supply and demand. Priority should be given to goods and services facing unmet demand where imports or technological solutions are not feasible, particularly those where the gap between supply and demand is widening.

Studies on ameliorative potentials of quercetin nanoparticles against imidacloprid induced subacute genotoxicity and histopathological alteration in Swiss albino mice

OBJECTIVE

Genotoxicity assays include micronucleus test, comet assay, and malformed sperm head used to investigate the protective potential of quercetin (Que) and Que nanoparticles against imidacloprid (IMI)-induced genotoxicity in Swiss albino mice.

METHODS

The ionic gelation procedure was used to synthesize the Que nanoparticles and characterized for their hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FT-IR, and encapsulation efficiency. A total of 48 mice were taken in eight groups with six animals in each group. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 received 3% gum acacia, 22 mg/kg IMI, 25 mg/kg Que and 25 mg/kg Que nanoparticles high dose (QNPs (HD)), respectively. Groups 5, 6, 7, and 8 received 22 mg/kg IMI + 25 mg/kg Que (IMI + Que), 22 mg/kg IMI + 25 mg/kg Que nanoparticles (IMI + QNPs (HD)), 22 mg/kg IMI + 12.5 mg/kg Que nanoparticle medium dose (IMI + QNPs (MD)), and 22 mg/kg IMI + 6.25 mg/kg Que nanoparticles low dose (IMI + QNPs (LD)), respectively.

RESULTS

The IMI causes genotoxicity in bone marrow cells by increasing the frequency of micronuclei and the comet tail length. Additionally, IMI is mutagenic to germ cells, as determined by a test for aberrant sperm heads. Both Que and Que nanoparticles lessen the genotoxicity that IMI induces when administered together or separately. Histopathological findings also revealed degenerative changes in bone marrow and testes in IMI administered group as compared to control.

CONCLUSION

Quercetin and Que nanoparticles showed marked ameliorative effect by restoring the degenerative changes produced by IMI.

Influence of rainfall on physicochemical characteristics of runoff water and sediments in riverbeds affected by mining and agricultural activities

Cartagena-La Union mining district (SE Spain) has unconnected dry riverbeds, which transport mining waste downstream under torrential rain events, polluting a coastal lagoon (Mar Menor). Additionally, in the cropland Campo de Cartagena, agricultural activities promote nitrate and phosphate accumulation in that lagoon. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the spatial-temporal trends of sediments and runoff water properties in El Albujón y La Carrasquilla riverbeds. The sampling campaign was carried out before (BR) and after (AR) rainy period. Georeferenced points were established from the headwaters to the mouth of two riverbeds, 12 sediment samples were collected in each riverbed. Meanwhile, runoff water in El Albujón consisted of 9 points covering the zone that continuously drained into Mar Menor lagoon. Also, water samples were collected in La Carrasquilla during the rainy period, from 18th to 28th of March, the samples were located in the headwater and the mouth of the dry riverbed. Sediments samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, organic/inorganic carbon, nutrients and heavy metals. To determine the pollution level by metal(loid)s in sediment and water, the reference background values established by World Health Organization (WHO) for water, and pollution indexes (contamination factor, pollution load index, potential ecological risk index) for sediments were used. The results of the runoff water of El Albujón exhibited no temporal variation, with a high concentration of NO3- along the discharge zone, which exceeds the standards established by WHO (102 mg L-1 BR and 101 mg L-1 AR). In the sediments of El Albujón, the pollution indexes showed no contamination of metal(loid). Oppositely, La Carrasquilla dry riverbed presented metal(loid)s contamination in the sediment in all the sampling points for both sampling periods (BR and AR). In the case of runoff water, in La Carrasquilla, during the rain event, the results exhibited concentrations over the limits for Cd, Mn, and Zn in the headwater. The temporal variability between a dry and rainy period represented a significant variance, especially for the metal(loid)s concentration on both sites. These results can support the design of mitigation plans for reducing environmental impacts associated with these riverbeds.

Effect of thermal and non-thermal processing on Technofunctional, nutritional, safety and sensorial attributes of potato powder

Potato is a highly nutritious staple food however, it also contains some antinutrients like alkaloids, phytates, tannins, oxalates as well as pesticide residues. Therefore, this study was conducted to reduce the loads of antinutrients and pesticides in potato powder (PP) using thermal and non-thermal processing techniques. Nutritional analysis revealed that the raw PP contained significantly (p < 0.05) higher magnitudes of dietary proteins (10.2 %), fibers (6.3 %), Na (50 mg/100 g), Ca (62 mg/100 g) and K (988 mg/100 g) when compared with the processed PP. The results demonstrated that all thermal and non-thermal processing techniques significantly reduced the antinutrients and pesticide residues. However, microwave heat treatment anticipated the highest reduction in alkaloids, oxalates, tannins and phytates contents from 60 to 14 mg/100 g (76 % reduction), 31-6 mg/100 g (80 % reduction), 91-15 mg/100 g (84 % reduction) and 45-8 mg/100 g (82 % reduction), respectively. Additionally, microwave heat processing also exhibited the highest decline in imidacloprid, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos and deltamethrin contents by 87 %, 76 %, 63 %, 79 % and 81 %, respectively. Later, microwave-treated PP (the most effective treatment) was used to develop unleavened flatbreads (i.e., chapatis) @ 2-10 %. Organoleptic evaluation of supplemented flatbreads suggested that 5 % supplementation with microwave treated PP has the highest overall acceptability. Therefore, it is concluded that thermal and non-thermal processing techniques are effective tools to reduce loads of antinutrients and pesticide burden in potatoes. Moreover, the study also suggests, PP can be efficiently used as natural food supplement for development of value-added foods.

The social costs of pesticides: a meta-analysis of the experimental and stated preference literature

Pesticide use poses major public health risks and raises environmental concerns globally. We synthesize three decades of stated preferences and experimental approaches that estimate the social costs of pesticide use through consumer and farmer willingness-to-pay (WTP) to prevent or reduce the risks involved. We contribute to the existing literature by demonstrating that the social costs of pesticides vary significantly depending on risk types and levels, where they occur, who is exposed and their risk aversion. The main conclusion is that there exists no single global value estimate for the social costs of pesticide use, there is widespread variation in existing value estimates. Consumers and farmers worldwide share concerns about pesticide risks to their health and the environment. However, there is a need to raise awareness about actual risk exposure levels and public health impacts. Leaving this information out in valuation studies significantly reduces WTP. Equally important is the need to further harmonize stated and revealed preference valuation research design and reporting to facilitate the application of previous study findings to new policy and decision-making contexts.

Comparison of the Effects of UV-C Light in the Form of Flash or Continuous Exposure: A Transcriptomic Analysis on Arabidopsis thaliana L

Ultraviolet C (UV-C) flash treatment represents a promising method for priming plants. This study compared the effects of 1 s (flash) and 60 s (60 s) UV-C exposures on the transcriptome of Arabidopsis thaliana L. plants. A dose of 200 J m-2 delivered in one second was observed to effectively stimulate plant defenses without causing any adverse effects on plant health. A total of 3054 and 1865 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the flash and 60 s treatments, respectively, in comparison to the control plants. Of these, 1131 were common to both treatments. The flash treatment affected a greater number of transcription factors (415 genes) than the 60 s treatment (254 genes), indicating more pronounced alterations in gene expression. The flash treatment resulted in a significant overexpression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), heat shock factors (HSFs), and their associated genes, which impacted oxidative stress, proteostasis, genome stability, cell survival, and thermotolerance. The majority of mitochondrial genes were found to be upregulated, while photosynthetic genes exhibited a downregulation. These expression patterns coordinate electron transport and crosstalk between the nucleus, chloroplasts, and mitochondria, eliciting an adaptive protective response to UV-C flash. Additionally, the flash treatment resulted in alterations to several genes involved in cell cycle regulation, division, and DNA replication. These included ATP BMMs, BRCA2 s, IQDs, kinesin complex, MCM complex, CYCs, and CDKs, which ultimately led to cell cycle arrest as a temporary preparation for subsequent conditions. The present study demonstrates that a 1 s exposure to UV-C induces distinctive plant responses through coordinated gene expression. The findings suggest that the flash treatment is an innovative method that triggers a unique cellular response, prioritizing repair mechanisms and potentially enhancing plant immunity, resilience, and priming. It can be used as a plant resistance inducer and stimulator.

Design and regulation as a chain of determinants in the emergence of pesticide exposure situations during the use of sprayers

Our study was carried out in winegrowing in France and relates to the prevention of pesticide exposure situations. During treatments, the sprayer is a technical determinant directly responsible for these situations because of its design. The objective of our study is to gain a better understanding of pesticide exposure situations during the use of sprayers, by identifying the design of these machinery and the regulations that apply to it as a chain of determinants. Focusing on activity-centred ergonomics, this qualitative study formulates ergonomic (video recorded observations and interviews) and legal (content regulation) analyses at each level of this chain (treatments activities, sprayer design activities, regulation, and regulation development activities). The results highlight the role of design and regulation in the emergence of pesticide exposure situations, due to a little consideration of the real work of winegrowers. This means that design and regulation are relevant change levers for sustainable preventive action.

Screening and quantification of pesticides in wetland water, ice, sediment and soil: Occurrence, transport and risk assessment

Current researches on pesticides in wetlands are limited in terms of screening and quantification of many types of pesticides. Understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics, distribution patterns, and environmental risks of pesticides in multiple media is important for wetland ecological conservation. In this study, 222 pesticides were determined in multimedia samples collected simultaneously from the Songhua Wetland during four seasons. Concentrations of target pesticides in water, ice, sediment and soil ranged from 94.1 to 7445 ng/L, 62.6-953 ng/L, 0.82-50.2 ng/g dw, and 4.32-146 ng/g dw. Large spatial differences (p < 0.05) in pesticide concentrations in ice were found. However, there were no significant differences in the spatial and temporal distribution of pesticides in water, sediment, and soil (p > 0.05), suggesting that there were no correlation between the spatial and temporal use of pesticides. The dynamic exchange of pesticides between water-ice indicated that most pesticides were more enriched in water. However, there were still some pesticides (Dichlorvos and Biphenyl) that showed a stronger tendency to transfer from water to ice. Sediment-water exchange suggested that sediment is a source of secondary releases of most pesticides in wetland ecology, but is a sink for Biphenyl and Oxadiazon. The correlation between concentration ratios and fugacity fraction supported this finding. Most individual pesticides in wetland water and ice had shown low or moderate ecological risk conducted using risk quotient. The cumulative toxic effects of multiple pesticides had a high potential to pose a threat to wetland aquatic organisms.

Isolation of Macrolactin A from a new Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and its aphicidal activity against Rhopalosiphum padi

BACKGROUND

Rhopalosiphum padi is a major infection affecting cereal crops in the boundary area. However, continuous use of chemical pesticides has increased cases of drug resistance in its field population. Therefore, we aimed to verify the insecticidal properties of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YJNbs21.10 against aphids, isolated to determine the bioactivity of its metabolite Macrolactin A against aphids for the first time.

RESULTS

The results of activity tracking showed that the fermentation broth of YJNbs21.10 had the best inhibitory efficacy against R. padi, and the corrected efficiency reached 95.57% after 24 h. With the continuous separation and test, the efficiency of the active components decreased: Macrolactin A, as the most active substance, had a control activity against aphids under 500 mg L-1 of 74.64% at 72 h, (which was significantly lower than that of fermentation broth, indicating a synergistic effect between the active substances of each part of the strain. In addition, the result of the stereomicroscope showed that Macrolactin A damaged the body wall of aphids. The toxicity of Macrolactin A to R. padi was confirmed through the gradient test.

CONCLUSION

In this study, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YJNbs21.10 exhibited comparable inhibitory ability to chemical pesticides suggesting its potential to provide effective biological control on aphids. The biological activity of Macrolactin A against aphids was also verified for the first time, in this experiment, the EC50 of this substance against aphids was 169.02 mg L-1 (24 h), which provided strong evidence that YJNbs21.10 may act as an effective agent for the prevention of aphid. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pesticide pollution in India: Environmental and health risks, and policy challenges

Intensive agriculture practices in India to meet the food demand of the increasing population have led to the use of agrochemicals such as pesticides in higher quantities to increase productivity resulting in contamination of the environment. Pesticides control pests, weeds, and diseases in plants, animals, and humans. Despite bans on pesticides such as organochlorides (OC), organophosphate (OP), or synthetic pyrethroids ranging from minimal to excessive, are detected in soil, surface water, and groundwater often exceeding WHO and BIS safety limits. The predominantly found pesticides were DDT, HCH, Endosulfan, malathion, chlorpyrifos, atrazine, endrin, cypermethrin, dichlorvos, etc. Different ranges of pesticides were detected in different states (Kashmir, UP, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan, Haryana, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, etc.) of India, which demonstrate that pesticides can persist in the environment and later can show bioaccumulation in the food chain. The article explores the consequences of this pollution such as biomagnification, bioaccumulation, and risks to human health and ecological integrity. This article also covers the adverse effects of pesticides such as carcinogenic, teratogenic, mutagenic, and endocrine-disrupting properties along with the importance of developing new policies or strengthening the current policies and regulations to monitor the use of pesticides.

The expansion of fungal organisms in environmental biotechnology

Fungal organisms hold vital roles in ecosystem processes. Despite their intricate entanglement with most life on earth and their powerful metabolic capacities, they remain under-represented in environmental biotechnology. The interest in applying fungal biotechnologies to different environments is growing, as light is shed on their versatile potential. A diversity of fungi can be harnessed to promote crop yield, remediate pollutants from terrestrial and aquatic environments, and mitigate climate change impacts. Current technological advancements, such as the increase in high-accuracy 'omics pipelines, provide improvement. However, it is emphasized that there are many knowledge gaps regarding applying fungal biotechnology at scale where other organisms are inherently present. Hence, there is a dire need to increase funding that enables in-depth studies on fungal processes, such as degradation capacities, metabolite production, and cross-kingdom interactions, that promote climate-smart biotechnologies.

Association between pesticide exposure and end-stage renal disease: A case-control study from Morocco based on the STROBE guidelines

Experimental studies have shown that various pesticides can damage kidney function, but epidemiological information on the effects of long-term low-level pesticide exposure is lacking. A study in Fez Meknes, Morocco, examined the link between 31 pesticides and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study involved 12 hemodialysis centers in various areas. Duration and frequency of use determined lifetime pesticide use, which was adjusted by an intensity factor to account for differences in pesticide application practices. The STROBE guideline was applied in the present work. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the correlations between end-stage renal disease, and the ordinal categories of lifetime pesticide use, weighted by intensity, for 31 pesticides. The study included 82 cases and 161 controls, and exposure to Glyphosate, paraquat, 2-4 D, 2-4 D+2-4 MCPA, azoxystrobin and difenoconazole demonstrated positive exposure-response trends. End-stage renal disease was significantly associated with the intensity-weighted exposure to the herbicides 2,4 D (OR = 1.005, CI: 1.003-1.007, p < 0.0001) and 2,4 D + 2,4 MCPA (OR = 1.009, CI: 1.004-1.013, p < 0.0001), and the fungicide difenoconazole (OR = 1.017, CI: 1.001-1.033, p = 0.033). These findings suggest a potential link between exposure to these pesticides and ESRD, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms and the generalizability of these results to other rural populations.

Synthesis, Anti-Oomycete and Anti-Fungal Activities of Anhydride Derivatives of Oleanolic Acid

Oleanolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted and isolated from the fruit of plants in the Ligustrum lucidum Ait. in the family Oleaceae. To discover biorational natural product-based pesticides, a series of oleanolic acid derivatives containing anhydride active skeletons were prepared by ingeniously introducing an active acyloxy group at its C-28 carboxyl position, and their structures were well characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS, and m.p. The stereochemical configuration of compound 8 e was confirmed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, bioactivities of these compounds as anti-oomycete and anti-fungal agents against two serious agricultural pests, Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici) and Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum) we assessed. Amongst evaluated compounds, 1) Compounds 8 h and 8 j displayed significant anti-oomycete against P. capsici, with EC50 values of 54.73 and 65.15 mg/L, respectively. 2) The target compounds have obvious selectivity, and their anti-oomycete activity is significantly better than their anti-fungal activity. 3) Interestingly, there are significant differences in the structure-activity relationship of different substituents or the same substituent at different positions anti-oomycete and anti-fungal against P. capsici and F. graminearum, respectively. The study provides an idea for further exploring the bioactivities of 28-acyloxyoleanolic acid derivatives, and develops the application of 28-acyloxyoleanolic acid derivatives containing anhydride in agriculture.

Enantioseparation, Absolute Configuration, and Enantioselective Bioactivity Mechanism of the Chiral Fungicide Nuarimol

In this study, the nuarimol enantiomers were successfully baseline separated with Rs 1.70 by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The absolute configurations of the nuarimol enantiomers were confirmed as R-(+)-nuarimol and S-(-)-nuarimol. The enantioselective bioactivity assay indicated that R-(+)-nuarimol exhibited greater potency against seven phytopathogenic fungi, with values approximately 1.4-3.5 and 4.5-51.4 times higher than those of rac-nuarimol and S-(-)-nuarimol. The active contribution value of R-enantiomer was 82-98%, showing that R-(+)-nuarimol played a crucial role in bioactivity. Meanwhile, R-(+)-nuarimol exhibited stronger effects in increasing the cell membrane permeability, compromising the cell membrane integrity, and inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis. Molecular docking analysis showed that R-(+)-nuarimol possessed a stronger binding affinity to sterol 14-α demethylase (CYP51) than S-(-)-nuarimol, with docking energies of -7.42 and -7.36 kcal/mol. This study contributes essential data for screening a high-activity enantiomer of nuarimol and provide guidance for reducing used dosage and increasing the efficiency of nuarimolAQ.

Assessment of pesticide contamination in hill reservoirs: combination of a rainfed farming survey and water multiresidue monitoring (Lebna watershed, Cap Bon, Tunisia)

Due to Mediterranean climatic conditions, traditional pluvial agrosystems are widespread along the southern Mediterranean shore and were previously thought to have minimal impact on surface water resources due to low agricultural input levels. However, current pesticide applications are now considered to contribute significantly to the contamination of surface water resources, which may result in severe impacts on biodiversity and the environment. This study examined the presence and mobility risk of pesticides in the surface waters of the Lebna watershed in northeastern Tunisia, a rainfed Mediterranean agricultural region. Water samples were collected from eight hilly reservoirs and the Lebna dam over three farming seasons (2017-2018, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021) and analyzed for 469 pesticide active ingredients (PAIs). According to the field questionnaire, local farmers used 44 PAIs, including 15 herbicides, 21 fungicides, and 8 insecticides. Seventeen pesticide molecules were detected, with glyphosate (1.73 µg L-1) and 2,4-D (0.23 µg L-1) being the most prevalent. Despite toxicity indexes, which classify a threat of pesticides as low to moderate, their concentrations may now exceed European standards for drinking water and endanger aquatic life. According to the Pesticide Impact Rating Index (PIRI), PAIs can be organized into three mobility risk categories: medium to high for 2,4-D and glyphosate, low for five PAIs, and very low for 13 undetected PAIs. This work provides the first assessment of pesticide contamination in surface waters of the Cap Bon region, raising concerns about water quality in a low-input agrochemical system and increasing interest in similar contexts.

Testing low-risk bioactive compounds on Halyomorpha halys: an improved pipeline of analyses to investigate their effects on the bacterial endosymbiont Candidatus Pantoea carbekii

BACKGROUND

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys has become an invasive insect pest of many crops. A promising control strategy to manage the proliferation of H. halys is based on the suppression of its obligate and vertically transmitted uncultivated symbiotic bacterium Candidatus Pantoea carbekii through surface-sterilization of H. halys eggs. Indeed, the application of antimicrobial formulations on the eggs of H. halys could cause mortality of endosymbiont and consequently of newly emerged nymphs. In this study, a microbial live/dead assay was applied directly on H. halys eggs to evaluate Ca. P. carbekii loss of viability after treatments with seven commercial formulations including fungicides (copper hydroxide, sulphur, sweet orange essential oil) and plant biostimulants (flavonoids and chestnut tannin extract) compared with two disinfectants for civil and industrial use (sodium hypochlorite/hydrated sodium/tetraborate decahydrate and peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide). Impact of mode of application was also evaluated, as surface treatment of egg masses was performed through spraying and dipping in laboratory conditions. Antimicrobial activity data were finally complemented with observations of egg hatching and vitality of the nymphs.

RESULTS

The optimization of live/dead staining is useful for evaluating Ca. P. carbekii mortality directly on eggs, providing a rapid and reliable culture-independent approach. Sodium hypochlorite, copper, sulphur, tannins and sweet orange essential oil showed an antimicrobial effect against Ca. P. carbekii and a H. halys egg hatching reduction and nymph's vitality.

CONCLUSIONS

The antimicrobial and insecticidal effects of these commercial products should be further studied to assess their in-field efficiency as well as the impact of these substances on non-target organisms. The approach followed in this study could be considered a robust pipeline of analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial eco-friendly compounds in symbiotic control of H. halys. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Knowledge of health risks, safety practices, acute pesticide poisoning, and associated factors among farmers in rural irrigation areas of northeastern Ethiopia

Background

Pesticide exposure is a major public health issue among farmers affecting make it their health, economic stability, and agricultural productivity. This study aimed to investigate the magnitude and determinants of farmers' knowledge of health risks, safety practices, and acute pesticide poisoning in the South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the South Wollo Zone's irrigation areas from July to August 2022. Using a multistage sampling technique, five out of ten irrigation districts were randomly selected, and three kebeles (the smallest administrative unit) from each district (15 total) were chosen based on intensive irrigation activities. A proportional sample size was allocated across the selected kebeles according to the number of farmers. Trained data collectors conducted face-to-face interviews using a pretested structured questionnaire. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals at a p-value of 0.05 identified statistically significant factors.

Result

The study found that 55.2% of farmers had below mean knowledge of health risks, 63.7% practiced below mean safety practices, and 47.9% experienced acute pesticide poisoning. Significant factors for below mean knowledge included no formal education (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.27-4.23) and lack of pesticide training (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.33-3.21). Below mean safety practices were associated with age > 47 years (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.06-4.04), below mean retailer actions (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.34-2.89), and below mean attitude (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.23-2.62). Acute pesticide poisoning was significantly associated with over 10 years of exposure (AOR = 4.34; 95% CI: 2.55-7.39), below mean knowledge (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.23-2.62), lack of training (AOR = 3.73; 95% CI: 2.33-5.98), and below mean safety practices (AOR = 4.40; 95% CI: 2.86-6.78).

Conclusion

Farmers' knowledge of health risks and safety practices was not satisfactory. Low educational status, lack of training, and minimal government involvement were associated with below mean knowledge. Below mean knowledge and below mean safety practices, low education, lack of training, and minimal government involvement were associated with acute pesticide poisoning. Young farmers, limited retailer involvement, and below mean attitudes contribute to unsafe practices.

Optimized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry protocol for enhanced detection of 45 pesticides in water and soil samples

RATIONALE

The development of analytical screening techniques for pesticides is crucial for preventing and mitigating environmental contamination. Mass spectrometry-based screening methods differ based on the complexity of the sample matrix and the diversity of the target compounds. One of the major challenges is balancing cost reduction in the extraction process with the optimization of analytical results. This protocol introduces a universal and efficient scheme for the qualitative and quantitative schemes for 45 pesticides within a single analytical run.

METHODS

Water samples were extracted using an SPE column, with the pH adjusted to 7. Soil samples were processed using a modified QuEChERS method. The pretreatment for water samples emphasized selecting appropriate SPE columns and optimizing pH, while for soil samples, the focus was on choosing suitable extraction solvents and extraction salt packages. The enriched samples were then analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method was evaluated for accuracy, precision, detection limits, and matrix effects.

RESULTS

The method enabled the simultaneous detection of 45 pesticides within a 15-minute analysis period. SPE recoveries ranged from 56.1% to 118.8%. Instrumental detection limits varied between 0.02 and 1 pg, while method detection limits extended from 0.05 to 18.47 ng/l in soil and water matrices. The approach was successfully applied to water and soil samples, with the pesticide concentration ranging from 0.1 ng/L to 38 μg/L.

CONCLUSIONS

The protocol substantially enhances the characterization and quantification of 45 pesticides in environmental samples, achieving a remarkable reduction in detection limits by an order of magnitude compared to previous research. This method enables the simultaneous detection of pesticides in both water and soil matrices using a single system, addressing the challenges of using separate systems for different environmental media. Furthermore, this protocol provides a crucial theoretical foundation for managing and safeguarding against pesticide pollution.

Development of an Escherichia coli Cell-Based Biosensor for Aspirin Monitoring by Genetic Engineering of MarR

Multiple antibiotic resistance regulators (MarRs) control the transcription of genes in the mar operon of Escherichia coli in the presence of salicylic acid (SA). The interaction with SA induces conformational changes in the MarR released from the promoter of the mar operon, turning on transcription. We constructed an SA-specific E. coli cell-based biosensor by fusing the promoter of the mar operon (PmarO) and the gene that encodes an enhanced green fluorescent protein (egfp). Because SA and aspirin are structurally similar, a biosensor for monitoring aspirin can be obtained by genetically engineering MarR to be aspirin (ASP)-responsive. To shift the selectivity of MarR toward ASP, we changed the residues around the ligand-binding sites by site-directed mutagenesis. We examined the effects of genetic engineering on MarR by introducing MarRs with PmarO-egfp into E. coli. Among the tested mutants, MarR T72A improved the ASP responses by approximately 3 times compared to the wild-type MarR, while still showing an SA response. Although the MarR T72A biosensor exhibited mutual interference between SA and ASP, it accurately determined the ASP concentration in spiked water and medicine samples with over 90% accuracy. While the ASP biosensors still require improvement, our results provide valuable insights for developing E. coli cell-based biosensors for ASP and transcription factor-based biosensors in general.

pH-Responsive Metal-Organic Framework for Targeted Delivery of Fungicide, Release Behavior, and Sustainable Plant Protection

A smart and environmentally friendly pesticide system was developed that could respond to environmental stimuli while mitigating environmental risks. In this study, thiabendazole (Thi), an effective fungicide, was loaded onto zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) using the impregnation method to fabricate a pH-responsive nano hybrid delivery system (Thi@ZIF-8). The results demonstrated that Thi@ZIF-8 had a rhombic dodecahedral morphology and a loading capacity of approximately 25%. Notably, the amount of Thi released from Thi@ZIF-8 at a pH of 5.0 reached 79.54%, which was higher than that at pH 7.0 and 9.0, for 251 h. Such pH-responsive release characteristics of Thi@ZIF-8 were probably related to the pH-dependent structure stability of ZIF-8. The release mechanism of Thi@ZIF-8 conformed to non-Fickian diffusion. Additionally, Thi@ZIF-8 showed a higher control efficacy against B. cinerea compared with Thi alone. Importantly, the ZIF-8 carrier could effectively reduce the leaching loss of Thi in soil and showed no negative effects on the three varieties of tomato seedlings, implying good biocompatibility. This work provides a novel and eco-friendly approach to control B. cinerea effectively that has great potential in modern sustainable agriculture.

Pre-emergence herbicides used in urban and agricultural settings: dissipation and ecological implications

Herbicides are widely recognized as the most cost-effective solution for weed control, but their extensive use in both urban and agricultural settings raise serious concerns about nontarget effects. We assessed the possible hazards associated with pre-emergence herbicides such as dimethenamid-P, metazachlor, and pyroxasulfone, which are frequently applied in both urban and agricultural soils. The dissipation rate constant values (k day-1: 0.010-0.024) were positively linked to total organic carbon (TOC), silt, clay, soil pH, and Al and Fe oxides, but negatively correlated with sand content. In contrast, half-life values (DT50: 29-69 days) of the herbicides showed negative correlations with TOC, clay, silt, soil pH, and Fe and Al oxides, while sand content showed a positive impact. The selected herbicides showed minimal impact on soil dehydrogenase activity (DHA). Mostly, soils with higher organic matter (OM) content exhibited increased DHA levels, highlighting the role of OM in influencing this soil enzyme across different soils. Assessment of environmental indicators like groundwater ubiquity score (GUS:1.69-6.30) and leachability index (LIX: 0.23-0.97) suggested that the herbicides might reach groundwater, posing potential risks to nontarget biota and food safety. Human non-cancer risk evaluation, in terms of hazard quotient (HQ < 1) and hazard index (HI < 1), suggests minimal or no risks from exposure to soil containing herbicide residues at 50% of the initial concentrations. Our data thus help the stakeholders and regulatory agencies while applying these pre-emergence herbicides in soils and safeguarding human and environmental health.

Tailoring Natural and Fly Ash-Based Zeolites Surfaces for Efficient 2,4-D Herbicide Adsorption: The Role of Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide Modification

Global development has led to the generation of substantial levels of hazardous contaminants, including pesticides, which pose significant environmental risks. Effective elimination of these pollutants is essential, and innovative materials and techniques offer promising solutions. This study examines the modification of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) and fly ash-based NaA and NaX zeolites with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to create inexpensive adsorbents for removing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide from water. Detailed characterization of these materials was performed, along with an evaluation of the effects of pH, contact time, temperature, and initial 2,4-D concentration on their sorption capacities. The modified samples exhibited significant changes in elemental composition (e.g., reduced SiO2 and Al2O3 content, presence of Br) and textural properties. The adsorption of the pesticide was found to be an exothermic, spontaneous process of pseudo-second-order kinetics and was consistent with the Langmuir model. The highest sorption capacities were observed for samples modified with 0.05 mol L-1 CTAB, particularly for CliCTAB-0.05.

Development of a unified method for the determination of legacy and metabolites of current pesticides in serum for exposure assessment

The use of pesticides is often regarded as a fundamental aspect of conventional agriculture. However, these compounds have gained recognition as some of the oldest and most widely employed xenobiotic contaminants, necessitating effective strategies for human biomonitoring. In this context, a method was developed for the determination of 16 legacy organochlorine pesticides, 6 metabolites of current pesticides (2,4-D, malathion, parathion, fipronil, pyraclostrobin, cypermethrin, permethrin, cyfluthrin), and 1 triazine herbicide (atrazine) in serum. Samples were prepared with water, formic acid, acetonitrile, and ultrasound irradiation, followed by solid-phase extraction with Oasis Prime HLB. Subsequently, metabolites from current pesticides underwent derivatization using MTBSTFA with 1% TBDMSCl for analysis via gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), employing an SLB-5MS fused silica capillary column. Analytical curves were generated with limits of quantification from 0.3 to 4.0 ng.mL-1. Accuracy ranged from 69 to 124%, and the coefficient of variation from 2 to 28%. Moreover, determining 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-ol was suggested as a biomarker for pyraclostrobin biomonitoring. This analytical approach facilitated the determination of both legacy and metabolites of current pesticides in the same serum sample, presenting an interesting and cost-effective option for large cohorts, and multi-omics studies that evaluate time-dependent biomarkers in blood samples, thereby enabling biomonitoring within the same matrix. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept involving 10 volunteers demonstrated exposure to 9 pesticides at mean concentrations measured in ng mL-1, consistent with findings from various biomonitoring initiatives.

A new endophytic Penicillium oxalicum with aphicidal activity and its infection mechanism

BACKGROUND

Aphid infestation adversely affects the yield and quality of crops. Rapid reproduction and insecticidal resistance have made controlling aphids in the field challenging. Therefore, the present study investigated the insecticidal property of Penicillium oxalicum (QLhf-1) and its mechanism of action against aphids, Hyalopterus arundimis Fabricius.

RESULTS

Bioassay revealed that the control efficacy of the spores against aphids (86.30% and 89.05% on the third day and fifth day after infection, respectively) were higher than other components, such as the mycelium. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that QLhf-1 invaded the aphid cuticle through spores and used the aphid tissues as a nutrient source for growth and reproduction, causing stiffness and atrophy and a final death. Three extracellular enzymes, lipase, protease, and chitinase had a synergistic effect with spores, and they acted together to complete the infection process by degrading the aphid body wall and accelerating the infection process.

CONCLUSION

The newly discovered endophytic penicillin strain P. oxalicum 'QLhf-1' can effectively kill aphids. The results provided strong evidence for the biological control of aphids, and lay a foundation for the development and utilization of QLhf-1. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pyrethroids and reproductive function: some endocrine disrupting perspectives from molecular simulations

Pyrethroids are widely used insecticides with huge applications for household as well as agricultural purposes and contribute to improved product quality and higher yields. In recent decades, the demand for pyrethroids has increased significantly due to advantages such as broad-spectrum efficacy, high insecticidal potential, and lower pest resistance. However, several studies have suggested that human exposure to pyrethroids leads to reproductive problems. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is an important hormone transport protein regulating the availability of steroids at their target site. The aim of our study was to investigate the structural interactions of commonly used pyrethroids, cypermethrin and deltamethrin, with ligand binding pocket of SHBG. Cypermethrin and deltamethrin were docked into the steroid binding pocket of SHBG using Schrodinger's induced fit docking (IFD) followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies. The resultant SHBG-pyrethroid complexes from IFD experiments were subjected to structural analysis including the molecular interactions followed by binding energy estimation. The analysis revealed that both the ligands were tightly bound in the SHBG pocket with high percentage of commonality among the SHBG residues between the indicated pyrethroid ligands and the SHBG native ligand, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The estimated binding energy values for cypermethrin were less but close to the values calculated for the SHBG native ligand, DHT. However, the estimated binding energy values for deltamethrin were higher compared to the values calculated for SHBG native ligand, DHT. Furthermore, the MD simulation results also revealed the higher stability of SHBG-deltamethrin than SHBG-cypermethrin complex. To sum up, the results suggested that deltamethrin has a greater capability than cypermethrin to prevent sex steroid hormone from binding to SHBG, even though both pyrethroids have this ability. Consequently, this might hamper the circulatory transport of sex steroid hormones and their availability at the target site, subsequently interfering with reproductive function.

Polyphasic Characterization of the Biocontrol Potential of a Novel Strain of Trichoderma atroviride Isolated from Central Mexico

This work describes the characterization of Trichoderma atroviride strain CMU-08, isolated from Michoacán, Mexico. CMU-08 demonstrated robust growth and conidiation across a temperature range from 16 to 32 °C and a pH range from 4 to 9 on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and malt extract agar (MEA) media. The strain is an efficient antagonist of six species of phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes in PDA, MEA, and Vogel minimal medium (VMM). Antagonist mechanisms of CMU-08 included direct mycoparasitism observed in dual-culture assays, as well as antibiosis attributed to growth inhibition via both volatile and non-volatile metabolites, with the effectiveness varying depending on the test phytopathogen and culture medium. Extracellular filtrates (ECFs) recovered from liquid cultures of CMU-08 under basal and induced conditions using Botrytis cinerea cell walls significantly inhibited their growth at a concentration of 750 µg/mL. Moreover, in detached tomato leaf assays, these ECFs reduced foliar damage caused by B. cinerea by 24-34%. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by CMU-08 also exhibited substantial efficacy, reducing foliar damage by up to 50% in similar tests. Despite showing no basal extracellular chitinase enzymatic activity, CMU-08 demonstrated significant induction of this activity in cultures supplemented with B. cinerea and Fusarium sp. cell walls. Four genes encoding extracellular chitinases (chit33, chit36, ech42, and locus 217415) showed different dynamics of transcriptional regulation during the dual-culture confrontation of strain CMU-08 with B. cinerea and Fusarium sp., varying according to the phytopathogen and the interaction stage. The CMU-08 strain shows physiological versatility and employs a variety of antagonist mechanisms toward different species of phytopathogenic microorganisms, making it a good candidate for developing a biocontrol product for field application.

The role of polymers in enabling RNAi-based technology for sustainable pest management

The growing global food demand, coupled with the limitations of traditional pest control methods, has driven the search for innovative and sustainable solutions in agricultural pest management. In this review, we highlight polymeric nanocarriers for their potential to deliver double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and control pests through the gene-silencing mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). Polymer-dsRNA systems have shown promise in protecting dsRNA, facilitating cellular uptake, and ensuring precise release. Despite these advances, challenges such as scalability, cost-efficiency, regulatory approval, and public acceptance persist, necessitating further research to overcome these obstacles and fully unlock the potential of RNAi in sustainable agriculture.

Investigate the binding of pesticides with the TLR4 receptor protein found in mammals and zebrafish using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations

The widespread use of pesticides poses significant threats to both environmental and human health, primarily due to their potential toxic effects. The study investigated the cardiovascular toxicity of selected pesticides, focusing on their interactions with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an important part of the innate immune system. Using computational tools such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, principal component analysis (PCA), density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and ADME analysis, this study identified C160 as having the lowest binding affinity (-8.2 kcal/mol), followed by C107 and C165 (-8.0 kcal/mol). RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and hydrogen bond metrics indicated the formation of stable complexes between specific pesticides and TLR4. PCA revealed significant structural changes upon ligand binding, affecting stability and flexibility, while DFT calculations provided information about the stability, reactivity, and polarity of the compounds. ADME studies highlighted the solubility, permeability, and metabolic stability of C107, C160, and C165, suggesting their potential for bioavailability and impact on cardiovascular toxicity. C107 and C165 exhibit higher bioactivity scores, indicating favourable absorption, metabolism, and distribution properties. C165 also violated rule where molecular weight is greater than 500 g/mol. Further, DFT and NCI analysis of post MD conformations confirmed the binding of ligands at the binding pocket. The analysis shed light on the molecular mechanisms of pesticide-induced cardiovascular toxicity, aiding in the development of strategies to mitigate their harmful effects on human health.

Integrated Pest Management: An Update on the Sustainability Approach to Crop Protection

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) emerged as a pest control framework promoting sustainable intensification of agriculture, by adopting a combined strategy to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while improving crop productivity and ecosystem health. This critical review synthesizes the most recent advances in IPM research and practice, mostly focusing on studies published within the past five years. The Review discusses the key components of IPM, including cultural practices, biological control, genetic pest control, and targeted pesticide application, with a particular emphasis on the significant advancements made in biological control and targeted pesticide delivery systems. Recent findings highlight the growing importance of genetic control and conservation biological control, which involves the management of agricultural landscapes to promote natural enemy populations. Furthermore, the recent discovery of novel biopesticides, including microbial agents and plant-derived compounds, has expanded the arsenal of tools available for eco-friendly pest management. Substantial progress has recently also been made in the development of targeted pesticide delivery systems, such as nanoemulsions and controlled-release formulations, which can minimize the environmental impact of pesticides while maintaining their efficacy. The Review also analyzes the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of IPM adoption, showcasing its potential to promote biodiversity conservation and ensure food safety. Case studies from various agroecological contexts demonstrate the successful implementation of IPM programs, highlighting the importance of participatory approaches and effective knowledge exchange among stakeholders. The Review also identifies the main challenges and opportunities for the widespread adoption of IPM, including the need for transdisciplinary research, capacity building, and policy support. In conclusion, this critical review discusses the essential role of IPM components in achieving the sustainable intensification of agriculture, as it seeks to optimize crop production while minimizing adverse environmental impacts and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems to global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.