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Di Noi A, Caliani I, D'Agostino A, Cai G, Romi M, Campani T, Ferrante F, Baracchi D, Casini S. Assessing the effects of a commercial fungicide and an herbicide, alone and in combination, on Apis mellifera: Insights from biomarkers and cognitive analysis. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142307. [PMID: 38734252 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Agrochemicals play a vital role in protecting crops and enhancing agricultural production by reducing threats from pests, pathogens and weeds. The toxicological status of honey bees can be influenced by a number of factors, including pesticides. While extensive research has focused on the lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on individual bees and colonies, it is important to recognise that fungicides and herbicides can also affect bees' health. Unfortunately, in the field, honey bees are exposed to mixtures of compounds rather than single substances. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a commercial fungicide and a commercial herbicide, both individually and in combination, on honey bees. Mortality assays, biomarkers and learning and memory tests were performed, and the results were integrated to assess the toxicological status of honey bees. Neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase and carboxylesterase activities), detoxification and metabolic processes (glutathione S-transferase and alkaline phosphatase activities), immune system function (lysozyme activity and haemocytes count) and genotoxicity biomarkers (Nuclear Abnormalities assay) were assessed. The fungicide Sakura® was found to activate detoxification enzymes and affect alkaline phosphatase activity. The herbicide Elegant 2FD and the combination of both pesticides showed neurotoxic effects and induced detoxification processes. Exposure to the herbicide/fungicide mixture impaired learning and memory in honey bees. This study represents a significant advance in understanding the toxicological effects of commonly used commercial pesticides in agriculture and contributes to the development of effective strategies to mitigate their adverse effects on non-target insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Di Noi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Ilaria Caliani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, Siena, 53100, Italy.
| | - Antonella D'Agostino
- Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Siena, Piazza S. Francesco 7, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giampiero Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Marco Romi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Tommaso Campani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Federico Ferrante
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science, Tuscia University, Largo dell'Università s.n.c., 01100 6, Viterbo, Italy
| | - David Baracchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - Silvia Casini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, Siena, 53100, Italy
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Ferrante F, Pasquini E, Cappa F, Bellocchio L, Baracchi D. Unravelling the microplastic menace: Different polymers additively increase bee vulnerability. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124087. [PMID: 38703977 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are growing and ubiquitous environmental pollutants and represent one of the greatest contemporary challenges caused by human activities. Current research has predominantly examined the singular toxicological effects of individual polymers, neglecting the prevailing reality of organisms confronted with complex contaminant mixtures and potential synergistic effects. To fill this research gap, we investigated the lethal and sublethal effects of two common MPs, polystyrene (PS - 4.8-5.8 μm) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA - 1-40 μm), and their combination (MIX), on the pollinating insect Apis mellifera. For each treatment, we evaluated the oral toxicity of two ecologically relevant and one higher concentration (0.5, 5 and 50 mg/L) and analysed their effects on the immune system and worker survival. As immune activation can alter the cuticular hydrocarbon profile of honey bees, we used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to investigate whether MPs lead to changes in the chemical profile of foragers and behavioural assay to test whether such changes affect behavioural patterns of social recognition, undermining overall colony integrity. The results indicate an additive negative effect of PS and PMMA on bee survival and immune response, even at ecologically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, alterations in cuticle profiles were observed with both MPs at the highest and intermediate concentrations, with PMMA being mainly responsible. Both MPs exposure resulted in a reduction in the abundance of several cuticular compounds. Hive entry guards did not show increased inspection or aggressive behaviour towards exposed foragers, allowing them to enter the colony without being treated differently from uncontaminated foragers. These findings raise concerns not only for the health of individual bees, but also for the entire colony, which could be at risk if contaminated nestmates enter the colony undetected, allowing MPs to spread throughout the hive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ferrante
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Viterbo, Largo dell'Università, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Elisa Pasquini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; Center for Mind/Brain Science (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Federico Cappa
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bellocchio
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - David Baracchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy.
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da Cruz Araujo SH, Mantilla-Afanador JG, Svacina T, Nascimento TF, da Silva Lima A, Camara MBP, Viteri Jumbo LO, dos Santos GR, da Rocha CQ, de Oliveira EE. Contributions of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Receptors for the Activities of Pectis brevipedunculata Essential Oil against Drosophila suzukii and Pollinator Bees. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1392. [PMID: 38794461 PMCID: PMC11124835 DOI: 10.3390/plants13101392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors play pivotal roles in the transmission of neuronal information in the nervous system of insects, which has led these proteins to be targeted by synthetic and natural products. Here, we assessed the insecticidal potential of the essential oil of Pectis brevipedunculata (Gardner) Sch. Bip., a neotropical Asteraceae plant used in traditional medicine, for controlling Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) adults by feeding exposure. By using in silico approaches, we disentangle the contribution of GABA receptors and other potential neuronal targets (e.g., acetylcholinesterase, glutathione-S-transferases) in insects that may explain the essential oil differential activities against D. suzukii and two essential pollinator bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus and Partamona helleri Friese). Neral (26.7%) and geranial (33.9%) were the main essential oil components which killed D. suzukii with an estimated median lethal concentration (LC50) of 2.25 µL/mL. Both pollinator forager bee species, which would likely contact this compound in the field, were more tolerant to the essential oil and did not have their diet consumptions affected by the essential oil. Based on the molecular predictions for the three potential targets and the essential oil main components, a higher affinity of interaction with the GABA receptors of D. suzukii (geranial -6.2 kcal/mol; neral -5.8 kcal/mol) in relation to A. mellifera (geranial -5.2 kcal/mol; neral -4.9 kcal/mol) would contribute to explaining the difference in toxicities observed in the bioassays. Collectively, our findings indicated the involvement of GABA receptors in the potential of P. brevipedunculata essential oil as an alternative tool for controlling D. suzukii.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Guillermo Mantilla-Afanador
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Microbiologia e Biotecnologia Agroindustrial, Universidad Católica de Manizales, Rua 23 N. 60-63, Manizales 170001, Colombia;
| | - Thiago Svacina
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil; (S.H.d.C.A.)
| | - Tarciza Fernandes Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade do Federal do Tocantins, Gurupi 77402-970, TO, Brazil (L.O.V.J.); (G.R.d.S.)
| | - Aldilene da Silva Lima
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (A.d.S.L.); (C.Q.d.R.)
| | - Marcos Bispo Pinheiro Camara
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (A.d.S.L.); (C.Q.d.R.)
| | - Luis Oswaldo Viteri Jumbo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade do Federal do Tocantins, Gurupi 77402-970, TO, Brazil (L.O.V.J.); (G.R.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Florestais e Ambientais, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Gurupi 77402-970, TO, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil
| | - Gil Rodrigues dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade do Federal do Tocantins, Gurupi 77402-970, TO, Brazil (L.O.V.J.); (G.R.d.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Florestais e Ambientais, Universidade Federal do Tocantins, Gurupi 77402-970, TO, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Quintino da Rocha
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil; (A.d.S.L.); (C.Q.d.R.)
| | - Eugênio Eduardo de Oliveira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil; (S.H.d.C.A.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade do Federal do Tocantins, Gurupi 77402-970, TO, Brazil (L.O.V.J.); (G.R.d.S.)
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Li XL, Zhang JJ, Li DD, Cai XY, Qi YX, Lu YY. Toxicity of Beauveria bassiana to Bactrocera dorsalis and effects on its natural predators. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1362089. [PMID: 38756732 PMCID: PMC11096544 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1362089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are economical and environmentally friendly, forming an essential part of integrated pest management strategies. We screened six strains of Beauveria bassiana (B1-B6) (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), of which B4 was the most virulent to Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). We further assessed the biological characteristics of strain B4 and the environmental factors influencing its ability to infect B. dorsalis. We also evaluated the effects of B4 on two of the natural predators of B. dorsalis. We found that strain B4 was the most virulent to 3rd instar larvae, pupae, and adult B. dorsalis, causing mortality rates of 52.67, 61.33, and 90.67%, respectively. B4 was not toxic to B. dorsalis eggs. The optimum B4 effects on B. dorsalis were achieved at a relative humidity of 91-100% and a temperature of 25°C. Among the six insecticides commonly used for B. dorsalis control, 1.8% abamectin emulsifiable concentrate had the strongest inhibitory effect on B4 strain germination. B4 spraying affected both natural enemies (Amblyseius cucumeris and Anastatus japonicus), reducing the number of A. cucumeris and killing A. japonicus adults. We found a valuable strain of EPF (B4) that is virulent against many life stages of B. dorsalis and has great potential for the biological control of B. dorsalis. We also provide an important theoretical and practical base for developing a potential fungicide to control B. dorsalis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yong-yue Lu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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de Souza AR, Bernardes RC, Barbosa WF, Dos Santos Araújo R, Martins GF, Lima MAP. A mixture of mesotrione and atrazine harms adults and larvae of the predatory wasp Polistes satan. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171526. [PMID: 38458447 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Herbicides have been intensively used for weed control, raising concerns about their potentially adverse effects on non-target organisms. Research on the effects of these common agrochemicals on beneficial insects and the ecosystem services they provide (e.g., predation and pollination) is scarce. Therefore, we tested whether a commercial formulation comprising a mixture of mesotrione and atrazine was detrimental to adult females and larvae of the Neotropical predatory social wasp Polistes satan, which is an effective natural enemy of crop pests. Wasps were individually fed syrups contaminated with different concentrations of the herbicide above and below the maximum label rate (MLR = 12 mL/L). Survival was assessed. The locomotor activity, immune response, and midgut morphology of adults as well as the immune response of the larvae were also studied. Herbicide concentrations far above the MLR (12, 40, and 100 times) caused adult mortality, whereas lower concentrations (0.5, 1, and 6 times) did not. Herbicide exposure at 0.5 to 12 times the MLR increased adult activity. Adult exposure at 0.1 or 0.5 times the MLR did not affect melanotic encapsulation of foreign bodies but led to changes in the morphology of the midgut epithelium and peritrophic matrix. In larvae, the ingestion of herbicide at 0.1 or 0.2 times the MLR (corresponding to 9.6 and 19.2 ng of herbicide per individual) did not cause mortality but decreased their melanization-encapsulation response. Increased locomotor activity in herbicide-exposed adults can affect their foraging activity. The altered midgut morphology of adults coupled with the decreased immune response in larvae caused by herbicide exposure at realistic concentrations can increase the susceptibility of wasps to infections. Therefore, herbicides are toxic to predatory wasps.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Rodrigues de Souza
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Renan Dos Santos Araújo
- Istituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Campus Universitário do Araguaia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Pontal do Araguaia, MT, Brazil
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Pereira RC, Vieira Júnior JOL, Barcelos JVPL, Peçanha LS, França TA, Mendonça LVP, da Silva WR, Samuels RI, Silva GA. The stingless bee Trigona spinipes (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is at risk from a range of insecticides via direct ingestion and trophallactic exchanges. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2188-2198. [PMID: 38158650 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stingless bee, Trigona spinipes, is an important pollinator of numerous native and cultivated plants. Trigona spinipes populations can be negatively impacted by insecticides commonly used for pest control in crops. However, this species has been neglected in toxicological studies. Here we observed the effects of seven insecticides on the survival of bees that had fed directly on insecticide-contaminated food sources or received insecticides via trophallactic exchanges between nestmates. The effects of insecticides on flight behavior were also determined for the compounds considered to be of low toxicity. RESULTS Imidacloprid, spinosad and malathion were categorized as highly toxic to T. spinipes, whereas lambda-cyhalothrin, methomyl and chlorfenapyr were of medium to low toxicity and interfered with two aspects of flight behavior evaluated here. Chlorantraniliprole was the only insecticide tested here that had no significant effect on T. spinipes survival, although it did interfere with one aspect of flight capacity. A single bee that had ingested malathion, spinosad or imidacloprid, could contaminate three, four and nineteen other bees, respectively via trophallaxis, resulting in the death of the recipients. CONCLUSION This is the first study to evaluate the ecotoxicology of a range of insecticides that not only negatively affected T. spinipes survival, but also interfered with flight capacity, a very important aspect of pollination behavior. The toxicity of the insecticides was observed following direct ingestion and also via trophallactic exchanges between nestmates, highlighting the possibility of lethal effects of these insecticides spreading throughout the colony, reducing the survival of non-foraging individuals. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Cunha Pereira
- Laboratory of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Olívio Lopes Vieira Júnior
- Laboratory of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ludimila Simões Peçanha
- Laboratory of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thalles Alves França
- Laboratory of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Laís Viana Paes Mendonça
- Laboratory of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wanderson Rosa da Silva
- Laboratory of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Richard Ian Samuels
- Laboratory of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gerson Adriano Silva
- Laboratory of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Pasquini E, Ferrante F, Passaponti L, Pavone FS, Costantini I, Baracchi D. Microplastics reach the brain and interfere with honey bee cognition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169362. [PMID: 38128669 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Scientific research on the impact of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial systems is still emerging, but it has confirmed adverse health effects in organisms exposed to plastics. Although recent studies have shown the toxicological effects of individual MPs polymers on honey bees, the effects of different polymer combinations on cognitive and behavioural performance remain unknown. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the effects of oral exposure to spherical MPs on cognitive performance and brain accumulation in the honey bee Apis mellifera. We evaluated the acute toxicity, after a two-day exposure, of polystyrene (PS - 4.8-5.8 μm) and plexiglass (Poly(methyl methacrylate), or PMMA - 1-40 μm) MPs, and a combination of the two (MIX), at two environmentally relevant and one higher concentration (0.5, 5 and 50 mg L-1) and analysed their effects on sucrose responsiveness and appetitive olfactory learning and memory. We also used fluorescent thermoset amino formaldehyde MPs (1-5 μm) to explore whether microspheres of this diameter could penetrate the insect blood-brain barrier (BBB), using Two-Photon Fluorescence Microscopy (TPFM) in combination with an optimized version of the DISCO clearing technique. The results showed that PS reduced sucrose responsiveness, while PMMA had no significant effect; however, the combination had a marked negative effect on sucrose responsiveness. PMMA, PS, and MIX impaired bee learning and memory in bees, with PS showing the most severe effects. 3D brain imaging analysis using TFPM showed that 1-5 μm MPs penetrated and accumulated in the brain after only three days of oral exposure. These results raise concerns about the potential mechanical, cellular, and biochemical damage that MPs may cause to the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pasquini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Center for Mind/Brain Science (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Federico Ferrante
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Department of Ecological and Biological Science, Tuscia University, Largo dell'Università s.n.c., 01100 6 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Leonardo Passaponti
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Pavone
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via N. Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via G. Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Costantini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy; European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via N. Carrara 1, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - David Baracchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy.
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Cappa F, De Fazi L, Baracchi D, Cervo R. Adverse effects of the fungal biopesticide Beauveria bassiana on a predatory social wasp. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168202. [PMID: 37914122 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Biopesticides are considered eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals. However, their impact on non-target organisms is still poorly understood. Social wasps, in particular, are a largely neglected group when it comes to risk assessment of plant protection products, despite the relevant ecological and economic services provided by these insects. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of a common biopesticide, the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, on the paper wasp Polistes dominula. We adopted a holistic approach in ecotoxicology by focusing not only on the detrimental effects on isolated individuals, but also on the whole colony. Both adult wasps belonging to different castes and immature larvae were topically exposed to a field-realistic concentration of fungal spores from the commercial strain of B. bassiana ATCC 74040 to assess the impact of the biopesticide on their survival, behavior and physiology. Our results showed that the fungus causes a number of adverse effects on P. dominula, that include increased mortality, altered locomotion and feeding rate, selective ejection of exposed larvae from nests, reduced oviposition rate and ovary development in foundresses, and colony failure. Our findings provide new insights on the often-neglected sublethal effects of pollutants that can jeopardize not only individual beneficial insects, but also the delicate social balance of their colonies and their valuable ecosystem services, highlighting that the natural origin of plant-protection products does not always guarantee environmental safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Cappa
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
| | - Livia De Fazi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - David Baracchi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Rita Cervo
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Barathi S, Sabapathi N, Kandasamy S, Lee J. Present status of insecticide impacts and eco-friendly approaches for remediation-a review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117432. [PMID: 37865327 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Insecticides are indispensable for modern agriculture to ensuring crop protection and optimal yields. However, their excessive use raises concerns regarding their adverse effects on agriculture and the environment. This study examines the impacts of insecticides on agriculture and proposes remediation strategies. Excessive insecticide application can lead to the development of resistance in target insects, necessitating higher concentrations or stronger chemicals, resulting in increased production costs and disruption of natural pest control mechanisms. In addition, non-target organisms, such as beneficial insects and aquatic life, suffer from the unintended consequences of insecticide use, leading to ecosystem imbalances and potential food chain contamination. To address these issues, integrated pest management (IPM) techniques that combine judicious insecticide use with biological control and cultural practices can reduce reliance on chemicals. Developing and implementing selective insecticides with reduced environmental persistence is crucial. Promoting farmer awareness of responsible insecticide use, offering training and resources, and adopting precision farming technologies can minimize overall insecticide usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selvaraj Barathi
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nadana Sabapathi
- Centre of Translational Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Guangming, 518107, China
| | - Sabariswaran Kandasamy
- Department of Biotechnology, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, 641004, India
| | - Jintae Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
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Daraban GM, Hlihor RM, Suteu D. Pesticides vs. Biopesticides: From Pest Management to Toxicity and Impacts on the Environment and Human Health. TOXICS 2023; 11:983. [PMID: 38133384 PMCID: PMC10748064 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11120983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The environmental pollution that occurs in direct response to the widespread use of man-made/conventional pesticides results from many chemicals that require a long period of time, often decades, to degrade. The synthetic nature of pesticides also harms animals, beneficial insects, microorganisms, and plants, as well as humans. Fortunately, however, there are many natural pesticides, the so-called biopesticides, that are also effective against pests and more importantly, do not interfere with the well-being of ecosystems. Consequently, most biopesticides are safer for use around people and pets than man-made pesticides because, for example, they can be easily washed away from fruits and vegetables. The natural habitat is a rich resource with a wide selection of plants, many of which are also used to treat diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Out of concern for public health, environmental safety, and the stringent regulation of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities, the use of biopesticides is becoming increasingly important, but questions regarding potential pest resistance to these products may arise, just as is the case with conventional pesticides. Therefore, the performance and potential role of biopesticides in the management of plant pests should be prioritized due to their sustainability and importance to human and environmental welfare. In this review, we propose to highlight a scenario in which we discuss in detail the main constraints posed by the use of pesticides compared to biopesticides, starting with issues regarding their definition and continuing on to issues related to their toxicity and their impact on the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Mihăiță Daraban
- “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 73 Prof.dr.docent D. Mangeron Blvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Raluca-Maria Hlihor
- Faculty of Horticulture, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, 3 Mihail Sadoveanu Street, 700490 Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniela Suteu
- “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 73 Prof.dr.docent D. Mangeron Blvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania;
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11
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Agathokleous E, Blande JD, Calabrese EJ, Guedes RNC, Benelli G. Stimulation of insect vectors of pathogens by sublethal environmental contaminants: A hidden threat to human and environmental health? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122422. [PMID: 37604394 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Sublethal stimulation and hormetic responses are increasingly identified and acknowledged in scientific research. However, the occurrence and characteristics of such responses in insect vectors of pathogens are little explored and poorly understood. Here, we collate significant evidence from the scientific literature showing that sublethal doses of environmental contaminants, such as pesticides, microplastics, and plasticizers, induce stimulation and hormetic responses in insect vectors of pathogens of agricultural and public health importance, including mosquitoes, other dipterans, psyllids, aphids, and planthoppers. Physiological, behavioral, and demographic traits can be enhanced by exposure to lower subtoxic contaminant doses while being inhibited by higher toxic doses. Energetic trade-offs can also occur, especially at sublethal doses higher than the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL). The relevant literature is limited and so are the number of doses commonly included in the studies, precluding firm conclusions and enhanced understanding. Nevertheless, these effects are significant and could undermine human and environmental health, and thus sustainability agendas, if ultimately the transmission of pathogens and disease spread and severity are increased. Further research is urgently needed to tackle these phenomena, especially under field conditions. The findings discussed here are relevant to chemical risk assessment and chemical safety evaluations, in which all possible effects from the lowest to higher doses should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, Jiangsu, China; Research Center for Global Changes and Ecosystem Carbon Sequestration & Mitigation, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, Jiangsu, China.
| | - James D Blande
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P. O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Morrill I, N344, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Raul Narciso C Guedes
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via Del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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12
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Marín-Sáez J, López-Ruiz R, Romero-Gonzalez R, Garrido Frenich A. Monitoring of Volatile Additives from Plant Protection Products in Tomatoes Using HS-SPME-GC-HRMS: Targeted and Suspect Approaches. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:14192-14198. [PMID: 37735156 PMCID: PMC10557130 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Additives present in plant protection products (PPPs) are normally not monitored after sample treatments. In this study, the fate of additives detected by targeted and nontargeted analysis in tomato samples treated with two PPPs was carried out. The study was carried out in a greenhouse for 12 days, in which two applications with each PPP were made. Compounds were extracted by applying a headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS), performing targeted and suspect approaches. Three targeted and 15 nontargeted compounds were identified at concentration levels of up to 150 μg/kg. Compounds detected encompassed benzene, toluene, indene, and naphthalene derivatives, as well as conservatives and flavouring compounds. Most of them degraded in less than 7 days after the second application, following first-order kinetic. This study aims to reduce knowledge gaps regarding additives and their fate under real climatic conditions of greenhouses cultivations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Marín-Sáez
- Research
Group “Analytical Chemistry of Contaminants”, Department
of Chemistry and Physics, Research Centre for Mediterranean Intensive
Agrosystems and Agri-Food Biotechnology (CIAIMBITAL), University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, E-04120 Almeria, Spain
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva s/n, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Rosalía López-Ruiz
- Research
Group “Analytical Chemistry of Contaminants”, Department
of Chemistry and Physics, Research Centre for Mediterranean Intensive
Agrosystems and Agri-Food Biotechnology (CIAIMBITAL), University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, E-04120 Almeria, Spain
| | - Roberto Romero-Gonzalez
- Research
Group “Analytical Chemistry of Contaminants”, Department
of Chemistry and Physics, Research Centre for Mediterranean Intensive
Agrosystems and Agri-Food Biotechnology (CIAIMBITAL), University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, E-04120 Almeria, Spain
| | - Antonia Garrido Frenich
- Research
Group “Analytical Chemistry of Contaminants”, Department
of Chemistry and Physics, Research Centre for Mediterranean Intensive
Agrosystems and Agri-Food Biotechnology (CIAIMBITAL), University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, ceiA3, E-04120 Almeria, Spain
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13
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de Souza AR, Prato A, Franca W, Santos S, Lima LD, Alves DA, Bernardes RC, Santos EF, do Nascimento FS, Lima MAP. A predatory social wasp does not avoid nestmates contaminated with a fungal biopesticide. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:103851-103861. [PMID: 37695481 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29770-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Fungus-based biopesticides have been used worldwide for crop pest control as a safer alternative to chemical pesticides such as neonicotinoids. Both agrochemicals can be lethal and may also trigger side effects on the behavioral traits of non-target social insects, which play a crucial role in providing essential biological pest control services in agroecosystems. Here, we evaluated whether a commercial formulation of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana or the neonicotinoid imidacloprid causes mortality in foragers of Mischocyttarus metathoracicus. These social wasps are natural enemies of caterpillars and other herbivorous insects and inhabit both urban and agricultural environments in Brazil. We also tested whether wasps discriminate between biopesticide-exposed and unexposed conspecifics. Through a combination of laboratory (survival assay) and field experiments (lure presentation), along with chemical analyses (cuticular hydrocarbon profiles), we showed that topic exposure to the label rate of each pesticide causes a lethal effect, with the biopesticide exhibiting a slower effect. Moreover, wasps do not discriminate biopesticide-exposed from unexposed conspecifics, likely because of the similarity of their cuticular chemical profiles 24 h after exposure. Overall, the delayed lethal time at the individual level, combined with the indistinctive chemical cues of exposure and the lack of discrimination by conspecifics suggests that the fungal biopesticide may ultimately pose a threat to the colony survival of this predatory wasp.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Rodrigues de Souza
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências E Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av Bandeirantes 2900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Prato
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências E Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av Bandeirantes 2900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Wilson Franca
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências E Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av Bandeirantes 2900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Sircio Santos
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências E Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av Bandeirantes 2900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Luan Dias Lima
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências E Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av Bandeirantes 2900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Denise Araujo Alves
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Fernando Santos
- Department of Zoology E Botany, Sao Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fábio Santos do Nascimento
- Department of Biology, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências E Letras de Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Av Bandeirantes 2900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
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14
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Alves DA, George EA, Kaur R, Brockmann A, Hrncir M, Grüter C. Diverse communication strategies in bees as a window into adaptations to an unpredictable world. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219031120. [PMID: 37279263 PMCID: PMC10268221 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219031120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication is a fundamental feature of animal societies and helps their members to solve the challenges they encounter, from exploiting food sources to fighting enemies or finding a new home. Eusocial bees inhabit a wide range of environments and they have evolved a multitude of communication signals that help them exploit resources in their environment efficiently. We highlight recent advances in our understanding of bee communication strategies and discuss how variation in social biology, such as colony size or nesting habits, and ecological conditions are important drivers of variation in communication strategies. Anthropogenic factors, such as habitat conversion, climate change, or the use of agrochemicals, are changing the world bees inhabit, and it is becoming clear that this affects communication both directly and indirectly, for example by affecting food source availability, social interactions among nestmates, and cognitive functions. Whether and how bees adapt their foraging and communication strategies to these changes represents a new frontier in bee behavioral and conservation research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise A. Alves
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Lausanne,13418-900Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Ebi A. George
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Bristol1015, Switzerland
| | - Rajbir Kaur
- School of Biological Sciences, University of BristolBS8 1TQ, United Kingdom
| | - Axel Brockmann
- National Centre for Biological Sciences – Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru560065, India
| | - Michael Hrncir
- Department of Physiology, Bioscience Institute, University of São Paulo05508-090São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christoph Grüter
- School of Biological Sciences, University of BristolBS8 1TQ, United Kingdom
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15
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Araújo RDS, Lopes MP, Viana TA, Bastos DSS, Machado-Neves M, Botina LL, Martins GF. Bioinsecticide spinosad poses multiple harmful effects on foragers of Apis mellifera. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:66923-66935. [PMID: 37099096 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27143-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
There are multifactorial causes for the recent decline in bee populations, which has resulted in compromised pollination and reduced biodiversity. Bees are considered one of the most important non-target insects affected by insecticides used in crop production. In the present study, we investigated the effects of acute oral exposure to spinosad on the survival, food consumption, flight behavior, respiration rate, activity of detoxification enzymes, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), brain morphology, and hemocyte count of Apis mellifera foragers. We tested six different concentrations of spinosad for the first two analyses, followed by LC50 (7.7 mg L-1) for other assays. Spinosad ingestion decreased survival and food consumption. Exposure to spinosad LC50 reduced flight capacity, respiration rate, and superoxide dismutase activity. Furthermore, this concentration increased glutathione S-transferase activity and the TAC of the brain. Notably, exposure to LC50 damaged mushroom bodies, reduced the total hemocyte count and granulocyte number, and increased the number of prohemocytes. These findings imply that the neurotoxin spinosad affects various crucial functions and tissues important for bee performance and that the toxic effects are complex and detrimental to individual homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Dos Santos Araújo
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil.
| | - Marcos Pereira Lopes
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Thaís Andrade Viana
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Daniel Silva Sena Bastos
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Lorena Lisbetd Botina
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ferreira Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
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16
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Marín-Sáez J, López-Ruiz R, Romero-Gonzalez R, Garrido Frenich A. Comprehensive Dissipation of Azadirachtin in Grapes and Tomatoes: The Effect of Bacillus thuringiensis and Tentative Identification of Unknown Metabolites. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:4466-4476. [PMID: 36881717 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Neem oil is a biopesticide normally applied together with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). However, neither its dissipation nor the influence of Bt has been previously evaluated. In this study, dissipation of neem oil was investigated when it was applied alone or together with Bt at 3 and 22 °C. A methodology involving solid-liquid extraction and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry was developed for that purpose. The method was validated obtaining recoveries from 87 to 103%, with relative standard deviations lower than 19% and limits of quantification from 5 to 10 μg/kg. Azadirachtin A (AzA) dissipation was fit to a single first order, being faster when neem oil was applied together with Bt and at 22 °C (RL50 = 12-21 days) than alone and at 3 °C (RL50 = 14-25 days). Eight related compounds were found in real samples with similar dissipation curves compared to AzA, and five unknown metabolites were identified in degraded samples, with increasing concentrations during parent compound degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Marín-Sáez
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Analytical Chemistry Area, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3, University of Almería Research Centre for Agricultural Food Biotechnology (CIAIMBITAL), Carretera de Sacramento s/n, E-04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Rosalía López-Ruiz
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Analytical Chemistry Area, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3, University of Almería Research Centre for Agricultural Food Biotechnology (CIAIMBITAL), Carretera de Sacramento s/n, E-04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Roberto Romero-Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Analytical Chemistry Area, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3, University of Almería Research Centre for Agricultural Food Biotechnology (CIAIMBITAL), Carretera de Sacramento s/n, E-04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Antonia Garrido Frenich
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Analytical Chemistry Area, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3, University of Almería Research Centre for Agricultural Food Biotechnology (CIAIMBITAL), Carretera de Sacramento s/n, E-04120 Almería, Spain
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Catania R, Lima MAP, Potrich M, Sgolastra F, Zappalà L, Mazzeo G. Are Botanical Biopesticides Safe for Bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea)? INSECTS 2023; 14:247. [PMID: 36975932 PMCID: PMC10053700 DOI: 10.3390/insects14030247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The recent global decline in insect populations is of particular concern for pollinators. Wild and managed bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) are of primary environmental and economic importance because of their role in pollinating cultivated and wild plants, and synthetic pesticides are among the major factors contributing to their decline. Botanical biopesticides may be a viable alternative to synthetic pesticides in plant defence due to their high selectivity and short environmental persistence. In recent years, scientific progress has been made to improve the development and effectiveness of these products. However, knowledge regarding their adverse effects on the environment and non-target species is still scarce, especially when compared to that of synthetic products. Here, we summarize the studies concerning the toxicity of botanical biopesticides on the different groups of social and solitary bees. We highlight the lethal and sublethal effects of these products on bees, the lack of a uniform protocol to assess the risks of biopesticides on pollinators, and the scarcity of studies on specific groups of bees, such as the large and diverse group of solitary bees. Results show that botanical biopesticides cause lethal effects and a large number of sublethal effects on bees. However, the toxicity is limited when comparing the effects of these compounds with those of synthetic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Catania
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Augusta Pereira Lima
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Michele Potrich
- Laboratório de Controle Biológico, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná—Dois Vizinhos (UTFPR-DV), Paraná 85660-000, Brazil
| | - Fabio Sgolastra
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Zappalà
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetana Mazzeo
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Moreau J, Rabdeau J, Badenhausser I, Giraudeau M, Sepp T, Crépin M, Gaffard A, Bretagnolle V, Monceau K. Pesticide impacts on avian species with special reference to farmland birds: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:790. [PMID: 36107257 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10394-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
For decades, we have observed a major biodiversity crisis impacting all taxa. Avian species have been particularly well monitored over the long term, documenting their declines. In particular, farmland birds are decreasing worldwide, but the contribution of pesticides to their decline remains controversial. Most studies addressing the effects of agrochemicals are limited to their assessment under controlled laboratory conditions, the determination of lethal dose 50 (LD50) values and testing in a few species, most belonging to Galliformes. They often ignore the high interspecies variability in sensitivity, delayed sublethal effects on the physiology, behaviour and life-history traits of individuals and their consequences at the population and community levels. Most importantly, they have entirely neglected to test for the multiple exposure pathways to which individuals are subjected in the field (cocktail effects). The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview for ecologists, evolutionary ecologists and conservationists. We aimed to compile the literature on the effects of pesticides on bird physiology, behaviour and life-history traits, collecting evidence from model and wild species and from field and lab experiments to highlight the gaps that remain to be filled. We show how subtle nonlethal exposure might be pernicious, with major consequences for bird populations and communities. We finally propose several prospective guidelines for future studies that may be considered to meet urgent needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Moreau
- Équipe Écologie Évolutive, UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
- UMR CNRS 7372 Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Juliette Rabdeau
- UMR CNRS 7372 Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Isabelle Badenhausser
- Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Prairies Plantes Fourragères, INRAE, 86600, Lusignan, France
| | - Mathieu Giraudeau
- UMR IRD, CREEC, Université de Montpellier, 224-CNRS 5290, Montpellier, France
- Centre de Recherche en Écologie Et Évolution de La Sante (CREES), Montpellier, France
- Littoral Environnement Et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS- La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, France
| | - Tuul Sepp
- Department of Zoology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Malaury Crépin
- UMR CNRS 7372 Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Agathe Gaffard
- UMR CNRS 7372 Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Vincent Bretagnolle
- UMR CNRS 7372 Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
- LTSER "Zone Atelier Plaine & Val de Sèvre", CNRS, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Karine Monceau
- UMR CNRS 7372 Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé, La Rochelle Université, 79360, Villiers-en-Bois, France.
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19
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Leite MOG, Alves DA, Lecocq A, Malaquias JB, Delalibera I, Jensen AB. Laboratory Risk Assessment of Three Entomopathogenic Fungi Used for Pest Control toward Social Bee Pollinators. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091800. [PMID: 36144402 PMCID: PMC9501116 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of fungal-based biopesticides to reduce pest damage and protect crop quality is often considered a low-risk control strategy. Nevertheless, risk assessment of mycopesticides is still needed since pests and beneficial insects, such as pollinators, co-exist in the same agroecosystem where mass use of this strategy occurs. In this context, we evaluated the effect of five concentrations of three commercial entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Cordyceps fumosorosea, by direct contact and ingestion, on the tropical stingless bees Scaptotrigona depilis and Tetragonisca angustula, temperate bee species, the honey bee Apis mellifera, and the bumble bee Bombus terrestris, at the individual level. Furthermore, we studied the potential of two infection routes, either by direct contact or ingestion. In general, all three fungi caused considerable mortalities in the four bee species, which differed in their response to the different fungal species. Scaptotrigona depilis and B. terrestris were more susceptible to B. bassiana than the other fungi when exposed topically, and B. terrestris and A. mellifera were more susceptible to M. anisopliae when exposed orally. Interestingly, increased positive concentration responses were not observed for all fungal species and application methods. For example, B. terrestris mortalities were similar at the lowest and highest fungal concentrations for both exposure methods. This study demonstrates that under laboratory conditions, the three fungal species can potentially reduce the survival of social bees at the individual level. However, further colony and field studies are needed to elucidate the susceptibility of these fungi towards social bees to fully assess the ecological risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana O. G. Leite
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Avenida Pádua Dias 11, Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-19-34478883
| | - Denise A. Alves
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Avenida Pádua Dias 11, Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Antoine Lecocq
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - José Bruno Malaquias
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Rua Prof. Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin 250, Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
| | - Italo Delalibera
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Avenida Pádua Dias 11, Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Annette B. Jensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
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