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1.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 30(1): 1-17, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36378372

ABSTRACT

With the entry into force of Regulation EC 1107/2009 and the important cut-off of a number of existing active substances from before 2011, which was processed from 342 in Annex I of Directive 91/414/EEC to 298, all these active substances are listed in Part A of Regulation EU 540/2011. Here, we have conducted a survey of all active substances since concerning their regulatory characteristics and their agricultural uses. Between 2011 and 2018, a global increase in active substances was observed with up to 502 approved, but since then an inexorable decline in the number active substances has occurred, despite numerous biocontrol agents (BCAs) being approved and only few chemicals. The newly approved active substances were then listed in Parts B, C, D and E, while renewed substances moved to Parts B to E. The impact of these changes was studied in relation to the availability of these substances and the corresponding global modifications in terms of employment, functions, uses, crops, and maximum residue limits. There has been a net loss of 53 active substances since 2018, notwithstanding 30 approvals, equates to a real loss of 95 active substances in the last 4 years and 118 since 2011. The main reduction of active substances is not only due to a falling-off of chemicals (95) but also a significant decay of BCA (19) impacting crop protection with an important reduction of the herbicides and a small increase of fungicides with an high replacement rate, with all crops being impacted, while the residue situation has greatly improved.


Subject(s)
Agriculture , Herbicides , European Union , Europe , Crops, Agricultural
2.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 28(10): 11798-11820, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29478160

ABSTRACT

Over-reliance on pesticides for pest control is inflicting serious damage to the environmental services that underpin agricultural productivity. The widespread use of systemic insecticides, neonicotinoids, and the phenylpyrazole fipronil in particular is assessed here in terms of their actual use in pest management, effects on crop yields, and the development of pest resistance to these compounds in many crops after two decades of usage. Resistance can only be overcome in the longterm by implementing methods that are not exclusively based on synthetic pesticides. A diverse range of pest management tactics is already available, all of which can achieve efficient pest control below the economic injury level while maintaining the productivity of the crops. A novel insurance method against crop failure is shown here as an example of alternative methods that can protect farmer's crops and their livelihoods without having to use insecticides. Finally, some concluding remarks about the need for a new framework for a truly sustainable agriculture that relies mainly on natural ecosystem services instead of chemicals are included; this reinforcing the previous WIA conclusions (van der Sluijs et al. Environ Sci Pollut Res 22:148-154, 2015).


Subject(s)
Insecticides , Pesticides , Ecosystem , Neonicotinoids , Pest Control
3.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 27(32): 39879-39887, 2020 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32748363

ABSTRACT

The use of biocontrol agents (BCAs) is growing across the world and in Europe in particular, where novel ways of farming are highly encouraged and implemented. However, although the social pressure is high to increase the number of BCAs in use within the EU, the European plant protection products (PPP) regulation (EC) N° 1107/2009 does not define clearly what BCAs are. Therefore, problems and drawbacks are observed throughout the whole authorisation process. Consequently, this situation impedes drastically the rapid implementation of botanical BCAs and their subsequent use in the field. Previous studies described in detail the fate of BCAs and the current administrative process that leads to their approval. Drawbacks are described for GMOs but surprisingly scarcely for pesticides. Therefore, the present study pinpoints the drawbacks of the approval process of botanical BCAs. To achieve this goal, a comparative study of 5 substances (4 of plant origin and 1 chemical) was performed. This study clearly reveals the present weaknesses and loopholes in the European PPP regulation process. The results of the present study may be useful to initiate and promote a major change in the evaluation and the regulation process of BCAs. This should allow designing a novel and innovative framework enabling the development of future plant protection products according to the sustainable use of pesticides, described in the corresponding (EC) Directive N° 128/2009 (SUD). This work targets farmers, policy makers, NGOs and scientists interested in issues related to this topic.


Subject(s)
Agriculture , Pesticides , Europe
4.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 26(18): 17996-18000, 2019 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31090005

ABSTRACT

Synthetic pesticides are largely decried. A common attitude against the synthetic agrochemicals is to avoid, criticise or ban these substances. Along with chemical pesticides to defend crops from bioagressors are microorganisms, semiochemical and natural substances used as plant protection products including biocontrol agents (BCAs) and crop protection products in organic production. Nevertheless, a natural substance status does not confer or imply safety, security or absence of residues (in the context of plant protection). Although in this paper we do not consider the toxicological perspective of highly toxic chemicals with adverse effects on humans and non-target organisms sprayed on crops, we have applied ourselves to working on the safe use of synthetic agrochemicals. Thus, along with biopesticides (either BCA or others) allowed in organic farming, we show that some synthetic chemical pesticides may be used in safe manner. HIGHLIGHTS: • Synthetic agrochemicals are widely criticised. • Some pesticide usages are not sprayed on crops. • Some biocontrol agents are of synthetic origin.


Subject(s)
Agrochemicals/analysis , Biological Control Agents/analysis , Crop Protection/methods , Crops, Agricultural , Agrochemicals/pharmacology , Biological Control Agents/pharmacology , Crop Protection/economics , Crop Protection/legislation & jurisprudence , Crops, Agricultural/chemistry , Crops, Agricultural/drug effects , European Union , Humans , Pesticide Residues/analysis
5.
Pest Manag Sci ; 75(4): 950-958, 2019 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30192046

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The use of biocontrol agents (BCA) is growing strongly with a market of €1.9 billion worldwide and €542 million in Europe, and an estimated annual growth of between 15% and 20%. Biocontrol substances use natural mechanisms as part of integrated pest management. With the exception of macro-organisms, substances or products comprising microorganisms, semiochemicals and natural substances depend on plant protection Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009. RESULTS: When this regulation came into force, a number of BCA had already been approved. The total number of BCA rose during the period 2011-2018 to ∼ 60 substances in line with global growth in approved substances. This growth was not smooth or equal between biocontrol categories; the microorganisms category increased the most, with a doubling of the number of approved substances in use, followed by natural substances and semiochemicals. CONCLUSION: This positive development has been influenced by many factors such as scientific advances and environmental characteristics. However, some obstacles remain that limit the development of BCA (market size, variability in effectiveness, etc.). Regulatory measures could be a key to enhancing the development of biocontrol registrations. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.


Subject(s)
Biological Control Agents/analysis , European Union , Pest Control, Biological/legislation & jurisprudence
6.
Pest Manag Sci ; 75(5): 1252-1257, 2019 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30324644

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Plasmopara viticola control in organic viticulture requires copper-based fungicides with harmful effects on health and the environment. Plant extracts represent a biorational eco-friendly alternative to copper. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of stilbenoid-rich grape cane extract (GCE) against downy mildew on three cultivars over 3 years following natural downy mildew infection. RESULTS: Over all field trials, GCE treatments showed an average reduction in disease incidence of -35% and -38% on leaves and clusters, respectively. The average reduction in disease severity was -35% and -43% on leaves and clusters, respectively. Under artificial downy mildew infection, GCE efficacy corresponded to 1 g L-1 of copper. Neither phytotoxicity nor adverse effects on auxiliary fauna were observed after treatment with GCE. CONCLUSION: Because few or no biocontrol agents are active alone against P. viticola, GCE is a promising alternative to copper-based fungicides. Grape canes, an abundant by-product of viticulture, have great potential for valorization as a biocontrol agent for sustainable viticulture. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.


Subject(s)
Oomycetes/physiology , Plant Diseases/microbiology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Stilbenes/chemistry , Vitis/chemistry , Vitis/microbiology , Oomycetes/drug effects
7.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 25(30): 29936-29942, 2018 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29273980

ABSTRACT

Piperonyl butoxide is a semi-synthetic synergist for natural pyrethrum and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides in phytochemicals and biocides. As such it is used in large quantities for crop treatments, stored grain protection, disinfestation of grain storage facilities and indoor uses. Piperonyl butoxide is consequently a regular contaminant in stored grains, and subsequently in corresponding cereal food products and meat via feed uses. Therefore it is regularly monitored and its MRL is ongoing a reassessment. It is also considered as a possible human carcinogen and a suspected endocrine disruptor. For all these reasons and considerations most of the countries have already banned its use in Organic Farming as France in 2017. Thus, ecological substitution of with biorational and sustainable solutions is required. Vegetable oils have been described as exhibiting similar potency and synergistic effects. We have reviewed the literature and have proceeded to ecotoxicological efficacy tests in order to determine the best and most durable substitution candidates. Sesame and rape seed oil were determined to be the most efficient.


Subject(s)
Insecticides/chemistry , Pesticide Synergists/chemistry , Piperonyl Butoxide/chemistry , Plant Oils/chemistry , Pyrethrins/chemistry , Animals , Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium , France , Humans , Insecta/drug effects , Insecticides/chemical synthesis , Insecticides/pharmacology , Pyrethrins/chemical synthesis , Pyrethrins/pharmacology
8.
Pest Manag Sci ; 71(9): 1197-200, 2015 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25727699

ABSTRACT

Plant extracts and byproducts furnish various alternative products for crop protection and are traditionally used by farmers. However, the cost and timeframe for their registration as active substances are prohibitive for small companies and farmers' associations with the new Plant Protection Products (PPP) Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009. However, there is now a possibility of registering light compounds as 'basic substances', a new category described in Article 23 and in 'Whereas/Recital 18'. We developed a regulatory expertise on the approval of such products within the framework of the PPP regulation. A Draft Assessment Report in one volume was established, later transformed by EC Directorate into a Basic Substance Application Template, and subsequently used by the EC as a matrix for the corresponding Guidelines for applicants (SANCO 10363/2012 rev. 9). Here we provide further tools, consisting of methodological, linguistic and strategic recommendations in order to constitute a Basic Substance Application (BSA) and proceed to its registration. While the use of alternative agents for crop protection is increasing both in organic and conventional agriculture, these usages are still considered as 'minor uses'. Our approach and tools are valuable to non-PPP specialised applicants for simplifying and facilitating their submission of the BSA.


Subject(s)
Pest Control/legislation & jurisprudence , Pesticides/standards , Plant Diseases/legislation & jurisprudence , Agriculture/legislation & jurisprudence , Agriculture/methods , European Union , Pest Control/methods , Plant Diseases/prevention & control
9.
Environ Sci Technol ; 48(7): 4096-102, 2014 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24588730

ABSTRACT

Neonicotinoids are subjected to vigilance because of environmental contaminations and deleterious effects on bees. Imidacloprid (IMI) is one of the most representative insecticides of this family. At chronic exposure, concentration-effect relationships are non linear. An insect model should allow a better description of this toxicity. We compared the lethal concentration 50% (LC50) of IMI for a Drosophila-field strain, after acute and chronic exposure. Relative to the acute LC50, the chronic LC50 was lowered by a factor of 29 for males (1.3 mM/45 µM), 52 for larvae (157 µM/3 µM) and more than 172 for females (>3.1 mM/18 µM). Chronic exposure also revealed significant lethal and sublethal effects, at concentrations 3-5 orders of magnitude lower than the chronic LC50. Mean mortalities reached 28% (at 3.91 nM) and 27% (at 39.1 nM) for females and males, respectively. Fecundity decreased of 16% at 1.96 nM. Mating increased of 30% at 0.391 nM. The LOEC (lowest observed effect concentration: 0.391 nM) was 46 000 times lower than the chronic LC50 for males; it was 115 000 times lower than the chronic LC50 for females. This study illuminates effects that neonicotinoids can induce at very low concentrations. This is of particular interest for nontarget insects and for insect dependent species.


Subject(s)
Drosophila melanogaster/drug effects , Environmental Exposure/analysis , Imidazoles/toxicity , Insecticides/toxicity , Nitro Compounds/toxicity , Toxicity Tests , Animals , Female , Fertility/drug effects , Male , Models, Animal , Neonicotinoids , Sexual Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Survival Analysis , Toxicity Tests, Acute , Toxicity Tests, Chronic
10.
Chembiochem ; 3(2-3): 212-8, 2002 Mar 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11921400

ABSTRACT

Quantitative 2H NMR spectroscopy has been used to determine the natural abundance site-specific 2H isotopic content of 6,7-dihydrocapsaicin (1) and capsaicin (2). Prior to analysis, the fatty acyl moieties were released as methyl 8-methylnonanoate (3) and methyl E-8-methylnon-6-enoate (4), respectively. A marked and similar nonstatistical isotopic distribution of (2)H is observed for both fatty acids. Notably, it can be seen that: 1) the isobutyl portion of 3 is more impoverished in 2H than the methylenic portion; 2) the isobutyl portion of 4 is more impoverished than that of 3; 3) an alternating pattern occurs in the (2H/1H)i between the C3 to C7 positions; and 4) the ethylenic hydrogens at C6 and C7 of 4 are, respectively, impoverished and unchanged relative to these positions in 3. These observations are compatible with the proposed biosynthetic origins of the different parts of 1 and 2, and with the view that 1 is a proximal precursor of 2. Furthermore, it can be suggested that, firstly, the hydrogen atoms at C3 to C7 originate alternatively from the substrate and from the environment and, secondly, that the Delta6-E desaturation is introduced by a mechanism closely mimicking that of the Z desaturation of higher plants.


Subject(s)
Capsaicin/analogs & derivatives , Capsaicin/chemistry , Deuterium/chemistry , Fatty Acids/chemistry , Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular , Substrate Specificity
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