Eco(geno)toxicity of the new commercial insecticide Platinum Neo, a mixture of the neonicotinoid Thiamethoxam and the pyrethroid Lambda-Cyhalothrin.

New mixtures of pesticides are being placed on the market to increase the spectrum of phytosanitary action. Thus, the eco(geno)toxic effects of the new commercial mixture named Platinum Neo, as well as its constituents the neonicotinoid Thiamethoxam and the pyrethroid Lambda-Cyhalothrin, were investigated using the species Daphnia magna, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Danio rerio, and Allium cepa L. The lowest- and no-observed effect concentration (LOEC and NOEC) were measured in ecotoxicological tests. While Thiamethoxam was ecotoxic at ppm level, Lambda-Cyhalothrin and Platinum Neo formulation were ecotoxic at ppb level. The mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus [MN] frequency were measured as indicators of phytogenotoxicity in A. cepa plants exposed for 12 hours to the different insecticides and their mixture under different dilutions. There were significant alterations in the MI and MN frequency in comparison with the A. cepa negative control group, with Thiamethoxam, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, and Platinum Neo treatments all significantly reducing MI and increasing MN frequency. Thus, MI reduction was found at 13.7 mg L-1 for Thiamethoxam, 0.8 µg L-1 for Lambda-Cyahalothrin, and 2.7:2 µg L-1 for Platinum Neo, while MN induction was not observed at 14 mg L-1 for Thiamethoxam, 0.8 µg L-1 for Lambda-Cyahalothrin, and 1.4:1 µg L-1 for Platinum Neo. The insecticide eco(geno)toxicity hierarchy was Platinun Neo > Lambda-Cyhalothrin > Thiamethoxam, and the organism sensitivity hierarchy was daphnids > fish > algae >A. cepa. Eco(geno)toxicity studies of new pesticide mixtures can be useful for management, risk assessment, and avoiding impacts of these products on living beings.

Degranulation and expression of cytokines were modulated by diazinon in activated mast cells.

Diazinon is an organophosphorus (OP) insecticides used in agriculture, home gardening and indoor pest control in Japan. It can activate macrophages and induce pro-inflammatory responses and has been reported to cause airway hyper-reactivity, suggesting the possibility of asthma exacerbation from exposure to OP insecticides. Despite the correlation between insecticide use and the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, there have been no reports on the effects of diazinon on mast cell function. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of diazinon on mast cell function in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells. Surprisingly, we found that diazinon inhibited mast cell activation, although the degree of inhibition varied with concentration. Diazinon induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and HO-1 expression at a concentration of 150 µM without affecting cell viability. Diazinon inhibited A23187-mediated degranulation and Tnf and Il4 expression in RBL-2H3 cells but did not affect calcium influx. Suppression of degranulation by diazinon was reversed when the culture supernatant was removed. As a signaling event downstream of calcium influx, diazinon inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) induced by A23187, whereas the phosphorylation of p38 had little effect. IgE cross-linking-mediated degranulation as well as the induction of Tnf and IL4 expression was significantly inhibited by diazinon, while diazinon had little effect on calcium influx. In conclusion, diazinon inhibited mast cell activation, including degranulation and cytokine expression. When evaluating the in vivo effects of diazinon, its potential to inhibit mast cell activation should be considered in the pathophysiology and development of allergic diseases in terms of basic and clinical aspects, respectively, although the effect of diazinon varies depending on the cell type.

Ecotoxicity threshold values for 4-hydroxychlorothalonil, carbendazim, dimethoate and methoxyfenozide in fresh and marine waters: Part 1. Derivation of threshold values.

Pesticide active ingredients are frequently detected in the rivers, creeks, wetlands, estuaries, and marine waters of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) region and are one of the main contributors to poor water quality. Pesticide concentrations detected in the environment through water quality monitoring programs can be compared against estimates of ecologically "safe" concentrations (i.e., water quality guidelines) to assess the potential hazard and risk posed to aquatic ecosystems. Water quality guidelines are also required to estimate the aquatic risk posed by pesticide mixtures, which is used for the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan pesticide target. Seventy-four pesticide active ingredients and their degradates are frequently detected in GBR catchment waterways, however many do not have water quality guidelines in the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. The current study derives ecotoxicity threshold values (ETVs) as unendorsed guideline values for active ingredients in two fungicides (4-hydroxychlorothalonil (fungicide degradate) and carbendazim) and two insecticides (dimethoate and methoxyfenozide) that are commonly detected in GBR catchment waterways. The proposed ETVs have been derived using species sensitivity distributions, as recommended in the Australian and New Zealand nationally endorsed method for deriving water quality guidelines for aquatic ecosystem protection. Four ETVs were derived for each chemical with values that should theoretically protect 99, 95, 90 and 80 % of species (i.e., PC99, PC95, PC90, PC80, respectively). The PC99 and PC95 values for 4-hydroxychlorothalonil, carbendazim, dimethoate and methoxyfenozide were 0.49 µg/L and 4 µg/L, 0.029 µg/L and 0.45 µg/L, 0.11 µg/L and 5.8 µg/L and 0.19 µg/L and 2 µg/L, respectively. The ETVs will be used in an ecological hazard and risk assessment across GBR waterways in part two of this study. The ETVs can also be used to assess potential risk across Australia and internationally where monitoring data are available.

Local adaptation to the native environment affects pyrethrin variability in Dalmatian pyrethrum populations.

The insecticidal compound pyrethrin is synthesized in Dalmatian pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Trevis.) Sch.Bip.; Asteraceae), a plant species endemic to the eastern Mediterranean. Pyrethrin is a mixture of six compounds, pyrethrin I and II, cinerin I and II, and jasmolin I and II. For this study we sampled 15 natural Dalmatian pyrethrum populations covering the entire natural distribution range of the species; Croatian coastal regions and the islands, inland Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. The plants were grown in a field experiment under uniform growing conditions to exclude a short-term response to environmental factors and instead observe variation in pyrethrin content and composition among and within populations due to genetic adaptation to the native environment. The drivers of local adaptation were explored by examining the role of bioclimatic factors as a cause of population differentiation. Pyrethrins were extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction, and the extracts were analyzed by HPLC-UV-DAD. The populations differed significantly in the content and composition of pyrethrins. The highest levels of total pyrethrins (1.27% flower DW), were found in population P14 Budva and the significantly highest levels of pyrethrin I in population P14 Vranjske Njive, Podgorica (66.47% of total pyrethrin). Based on bioclimatic conditions of the sampling sites, populations were grouped into five bioclimatic groups (A, B, C, D, and E), which showed qualitative and quantitative variability in pyrethrin content. The most abundant bioclimatic group was bioclimatic group E, which was characterized by the highest average values for pyrethrin I (53.87% of total pyrethrin), total pyrethrin content (1.06% flower DW) and the ratio of pyrethrin I and II (1.85). The correlation analysis between the pyrethrin compounds and some of the bioclimatic variables (e. g., BIO03 Isothermality and BIO04 Temperature seasonality) showed their significant contribution in explaining the variation of pyrethrins in T. cinerariifolium. The differences in pyrethrin content and composition may be partly due to genetic adaptation to the ecological conditions of the native environment. The obtained data would enable the selection of source populations for breeding programs aimed at producing cultivars with desirable biochemical properties and adaptation to different bioclimatic conditions.

Effects of the insecticide imidacloprid on aquatic invertebrate communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide that has received particular attention due to its widespread use and potential adverse effects for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Its toxicity to aquatic organisms has been evaluated in central and southern Europe as well as in (sub-)tropical regions of Africa and Asia, showing high toxic potential for some aquatic insects and zooplankton taxa. However, its toxicity to aquatic organisms representative of tropical regions of Latin America has never been evaluated. To fill this knowledge gap, we carried out a mesocosm experiment to assess the short- and long-term effects of imidacloprid on freshwater invertebrate communities representative of the Ecuadorian Amazon. A mesocosm experiment was conducted with five weekly applications of imidacloprid at four nominal concentrations (0.01 µg/L, 0.1 µg/L, 1 µg/L and 10 µg/L). Toxic effects were evaluated on zooplankton and macroinvertebrate populations and communities, as well as on water quality parameters for 70 days. Given the climatic conditions prevailing in the study area, characterized by a high solar radiation and abundant rainfall that resulted in mesocosm overflow, there was a rapid dissipation of the test compound from the water column (half-life: 4 days). The macroinvertebrate taxa Callibaetis pictus (Ephemeroptera), Chironomus sp. (Diptera), and the zooplankton taxon Macrocyclops sp., showed population declines caused by the imidacloprid treatment, with a 21-d Time Weighted Average No Observed Effect Concentrations (21-d TWA NOEC) of 0.46 µg/L, except for C. pictus which presented a 21-d TWA NOEC of 0.05 µg/L. In general terms, the sensitivity of these taxa to imidacloprid was greater than that reported for surrogate taxa in temperate zones and similar to that reported in other (sub-)tropical regions. These results confirm the high sensitivity of tropical aquatic invertebrates to this compound and suggest the need to establish regulations for the control of imidacloprid contamination in Amazonian freshwater ecosystems.

Current Insights into Sublethal Effects of Pesticides on Insects.

The effect of pesticides on insects is often discussed in terms of acute and chronic toxicity, but an important and often overlooked aspect is the impact of sublethal doses on insect physiology and behavior. Pesticides can influence various physiological parameters of insects, including the innate immune system, development, and reproduction, through a combination of direct effects on specific exposed tissues and the modification of behaviors that contribute to health and reproductive success. Such behaviors include mobility, feeding, oviposition, navigation, and the ability to detect pheromones. Pesticides also have a profound effect on insect learning and memory. The precise effects depend on many different factors, including the insect species, age, sex, caste, physiological condition, as well as the type and concentration of the active ingredients and the exposure route. More studies are needed to assess the effects of different active ingredients (and combinations thereof) on a wider range of species to understand how sublethal doses of pesticides can contribute to insect decline. This review reflects our current knowledge about sublethal effects of pesticides on insects and advancements in the development of innovative methods to detect them.

Developmental toxicity of the neonicotinoid pesticide clothianidin to the larvae of the crustacean Decapoda, Penaeus vannamei.

The developmental toxicity effects of neonicotinoid pesticides such as clothianidin have not been fully explored in agricultural applications. This is particularly noteworthy because such pesticides significantly impact the survival rates of invertebrates, with arthropod larvae being particularly vulnerable. This study aimed to address this research gap by specifically investigating the toxicological effects of clothianidin on the developmental stages of the larvae of the economically important aquaculture species Penaeus vannamei. In these experiments, shrimp eggs were exposed to seawater containing different concentrations of clothianidin beginning at N1, and each phase was observed and analyzed to determine its toxic impact on larval development. These results revealed that clothianidin induces an increase in deformity rates and triggers abnormal cell apoptosis. It also significantly reduced survival rates and markedly decreased body length and heart rate in the later stages of larval development (P3). Transcriptomic analysis revealed disruptions in larval DNA integrity, protein synthesis, and signal transduction caused by clothianidin. To survive prolonged exposure, larvae may attempt to maintain their viability by repairing cell structures and enhancing signal transduction mechanisms. This study offers the first empirical evidence of the toxicity of clothianidin to arthropod larvae, underscoring the impact of environmental pollution on aquatic health.

Photoreactivation Activities of Rad5, Rad16A and Rad16B Help Beauveria bassiana to Recover from Solar Ultraviolet Damage.

In budding yeast, Rad5 and Rad7-Rad16 play respective roles in the error-free post-replication repair and nucleotide excision repair of ultraviolet-induced DNA damage; however, their homologs have not yet been studied in non-yeast fungi. In the fungus Beauveria bassiana, a deficiency in the Rad7 homolog, Rad5 ortholog and two Rad16 paralogs (Rad16A/B) instituted an ability to help the insect-pathogenic fungus to recover from solar UVB damage through photoreactivation. The fungal lifecycle-related phenotypes were not altered in the absence of rad5, rad16A or rad16B, while severe defects in growth and conidiation were caused by the double deletion of rad16A and rad16B. Compared with the wild-type and complemented strains, the mutants showed differentially reduced activities regarding the resilience of UVB-impaired conidia at 25 °C through a 12-h incubation in a regime of visible light plus dark (L/D 3:9 h or 5:7 h for photoreactivation) or of full darkness (dark reactivation) mimicking a natural nighttime. The estimates of the median lethal UVB dose LD50 from the dark and L/D treatments revealed greater activities of Rad5 and Rad16B than of Rad16A and additive activities of Rad16A and Rad16B in either NER-dependent dark reactivation or photorepair-dependent photoreactivation. However, their dark reactivation activities were limited to recovering low UVB dose-impaired conidia but were unable to recover conidia impaired by sublethal and lethal UVB doses as did their photoreactivation activities at L/D 3:9 or 5:7, unless the night/dark time was doubled or further prolonged. Therefore, the anti-UV effects of Rad5, Rad16A and Rad16B in B. bassiana depend primarily on photoreactivation and are mechanistically distinct from those for their yeast homologs.

Insecticidal activity of two organic extracts from Libidibia coriaria (Jacq.) Schltdl. fruits against Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith.

This study describes the chemical characterisation of two extracts (ethyl acetate, EtOAc-E and hexanic, Hx-E) from Libidibia coriaria fruits and their insecticidal properties on Spodoptera frugiperda. The HPLC analysis in EtOAct-E revealed the presence of ellagic acid and phenolic compounds. The CG-MS analysis in Hx-E revealed the presence of Hexadecanoic acid, 11-Methylheptacosane, Dodecanoic acid and Nonacosane as major compounds. The application of both extracts was performed on the dorsal part of each larva via aspersion. The larval mortality, relative growth and emergence percentage of adults were evaluated. The Hx-E caused a 93.33% mortality at 100 mg/mL at 24 h post-application. A minor relative growth with both EtOAc-E (12.64 mg) and Hx-E (7.90 mg) was observed compared with their respective negative controls (methanol = 25.05 mg and tween20 = 24.53 mg). The lowest emergence percentage of adults with the Hx-E (25%) at 50 mg/mL was observed. Libidibia coriaria fruits exhibit insecticidal properties against S. frugiperda.

Association between exposure to organophosphorus pesticide and suicidal ideation among U.S. adults: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the potential link between exposure to organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and suicidal ideation (SI) among adults. METHODS: This study encompassed four cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), involving 5244 participants aged 20 and above. SI was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The levels of exposure to OPPs were estimated by analyzing concentrations of OPP metabolites in urine samples. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the association between exposure to each OPP and SI. Stratified analyses and interaction tests were conducted across various groups, including pairwise combinations of gender and age, as well as body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes. Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models were applied to assess the cumulative impact of exposure to the four OPPs on SI, along with their respective contributions. Additionally, the potential interactions among these four OPPs were evaluated. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression revealed that only dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP) among OPPs demonstrated a statistically significant positive association with SI [OR: 1.18; 95 % CI: 1.02-1.37]. Stratified analyses indicated that the influence of OPPs on SI was particularly pronounced in young and older men. The WQS regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association between the mixed metabolites of OPPs and SI [OR = 1.10, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.16], with DMTP (weighted 0.63) contributing the most. Furthermore, the BKMR model supported a positive trend in the overall impact of these OPP metabolites on SI, displaying notable individual exposure-response relationships for DMTP (PIP: 0.77). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests an association between exposure to DMTP and an increased risk of SI. Specifically, young adult males and older males appear particularly susceptible to the effects of OPP exposure.

Citrus-mediated gene silencing of cytochrome P450 suppresses insecticide resistance and increases mortality in Diaphorina citri.

BACKGROUND: Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is a hemipteran that vectors the causal pathogen of citrus greening disease, or huanglongbing (HLB). HLB is a tree killing disease that has severely limited citrus production globally. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, and mitigation depends on multiple insecticide applications to reduce vector populations. Silencing of cytochrome P450 expression associated with detoxification enzymes by RNA interference is known to increase susceptibility of D. citri to insecticides. However, dsRNA was previously introduced into psyllids by topical applications. The possible application of this technology for pest management will require effective field delivery of the dsRNA. Therefore, we evaluated a virus vector (Citrus tristeza virus; 'mild strain' T36) to deliver gene silencing directly to this sap-sucking insect via plant phloem. Citrus macrophylla plants inoculated with CTV expressing a truncated consensus sequence of CYP450 (CTV-tCYP450) constantly produced small interfering RNA in the plant phloem that targeted five cytochrome p540 (CYP450) genes in D. citri. RESULTS: Insecticide susceptible D. citri reared on citrus infected with CTV-tCYP450 were subsequently more susceptible to imidacloprid, fenpropathrin, carbaryl, and chlorpyrifos than those reared on citrus infected with wildtype CTV or non-infected negative controls. Additionally, nymph survival and adult lifespan were significantly reduced when psyllids were reared on CTV-tCYP450 citrus plants compared with controls. Interestingly, similar results were obtained after one and two generations of rearing. Finally, field-collected psyllids from areas with known broad-spectrum insecticide resistance were rendered more susceptible to imidacloprid and fenpropathrin after feeding on CTV-tCYP450 citrus trees as compared with those reared on controls. CONCLUSION: The integration of citrus-mediated RNA inference targeting psyllid detoxification enzymes could function as a resistance management tool and reduce insecticide input in an integrated pest management program for HLB. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biochemical responses of Echinochloa polystachya inoculated with a Trichoderma consortium during the removal of a pyrethroid-based pesticide.

The biochemical response of plants exposed to pesticides and inoculated with microorganisms is of great importance to explore cleaning up strategies for contaminated sites with pyrethroid-based pesticides. We evaluated the effects of a Trichoderma consortium on the biochemical responses of Echinochloa polystachya plants during the removal of a pyrethroid-based pesticide. Plants were inoculated or not with the Trichoderma consortium and exposed to commercial pesticide H24®, based on pyrethroids. Pesticide application resulted in significant reduction in root protein content (58%), but enhanced content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in shoots, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in shoots and roots, and catalase (CAT) activity in roots. Inoculation of Trichoderma consortium in E. polystachya exposed to the pesticide resulted in increased protein content in roots and MDA content in shoots (2-fold). Trichoderma consortium improved protein content and SOD activity (140-fold) in plants. Fungal inoculation increased the removal (97.9%) of the pesticide in comparison to the sole effect of plants (33.9%). Results allow further understanding about the responses of the interaction between plants and root-associated fungi to improving the assisted-phytoremediation of solid matrices contaminated with organic pesticides.

This original paper describes the positive role of the Trichoderma sp. consortium on favoring the removal of a pyretrhoid-based pesticide. This is one of first reports on analyzing the influence of a Trichoderma consortium on the oxidative stress and antioxidant response of Echinochloa polystachya in presence of the pesticide. This experimental approach provides a new alternative for further fungal assisted-phytoremediation of a pyretrhoid-based pesticide.

Evaluation of phosphate insecticides and common herbicides: monitoring and risk assessment in water treatment plant, distribution networks, and underground water wells.

Despite the negative effects that the use of pesticides (such as herbicides and insecticides) have on human health and water resources, a significant portion of the world's agricultural production depends on them. The purpose of this study was to determine selected residual concentrations of pesticides (diazinon, ethion, malathion, alachlor, methyl-parathion, trifluralin, atrazine, chlorpyrifos, and azinphos-methyl) in samples from Shiraz potable water sources. For this purpose, water treatment plant, groundwater wells, treated surface water, and a mixture of groundwater and treated surface water were taken. In addition, statistical and risk analyses (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) were used. According to the results, chlorpyrifos with 84.4% had the highest removal efficiency and methyl-parathion with 10% had the lowest removal rate in the Shiraz water treatment plant process. The highest mean concentration was related to azinphos-methyl (1.5 µg/L) and chlorpyrifos (0.59 µg/L) in the groundwater samples. All measured compounds in water source samples were below standard levels, except for chlorpyrifos and azinphos-methyl, which were reported in groundwater above the limit recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The results showed that while the selected pesticides measured had a low non-carcinogenic risk for both adults and children, malathion and trifluralin posed a high carcinogenic risk for adults.

Theory versus practice: are insecticide mixtures in Arizona cotton used for resistance management?

BACKGROUND: Resistance management in pesticide use is critical, yet grower practices, especially pesticide mixing motivations, diverge from theoretical frameworks. This study analyzes 30 years of Arizona cotton growers' practices and pest manager insights to understand mixing trends. RESULTS: Growers predominantly mix pesticides for spectrum or efficacy, not resistance management. This highlights a gap between theory and practice, emphasizing the complexity of real-world dynamics. A shift over time towards selective insecticides and integrated pest management (IPM), supported by extension education, has reduced reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides and increased opportunities to conserve the natural enemies of key pests. This reduced the frequency of insecticide use, a mutual goal of both IPM and resistance management. The availability and adoption of selective products with diverse modes of action, along with the resulting increases in biological control and refuges, likely has delayed or prevented resistances without emphasis on using mixtures specifically for resistance management. In a disrupted system exclusively dependent on broad-spectrum insecticides (1991-1995), 75% ± 5% of cotton area was sprayed with mixtures of these materials. With the availability of selective insecticides, few broad-spectrum products are used today and mixtures of insecticides are sprayed on only 36% ± 3% of the cotton area (2015-2020). CONCLUSION: Although mixing has theoretical relevance, it is diminishing in stable systems with diverse modes of action and adherence to moderation principles. Arizona cotton guidance prioritizes multi-crop refuges over mixtures for resistance management. Integrated research and education, targeting professional pest managers, are pivotal in advancing resistance management without mixtures specifically designed to prevent or mitigate resistance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biomass-derived, Target Specific, and Ecologically Safer Insecticide Active Ingredients.

With the continuous increase in food production to support the growing population, ensuring agricultural sustainability using crop-protecting agents, such as pesticides, is vital. Conventional pesticides pose significant environmental risks, prompting the need for eco-friendly alternatives. This study reports the synthesis of new amide-based insecticidal active ingredients from biomass-derived monomers, specifically furfural and vanillin. The process involves reductive amination followed by carbonylation. The synthesis of the furfural-based carbamate yield reaches a cumulative 88%, with catalysts Rh/Al2O3 and La(OTf)3 being recyclable at each stage. Insecticidal activity assessments reveal that the furfural carbamate exhibits competitive performance, achieving an LC50 of 6.35 µg/cm², compared to 6.27 µg/cm² for carbofuran. Ecotoxicity predictions indicate significantly lower toxicity levels toward non-target aquatic and terrestrial species. The importance of the low octanol-water partition coefficient of the biobased carbamate, attributed to the oxygen heteroatom and electron density of the furan ring, is discussed in detail. Building on these promising results, the synthesis strategy was extended to six other biobased aldehydes, resulting in a diverse portfolio of biomass-derived carbamates. A techno-economic analysis reveals a minimum selling price of 11.1$/kg, only half that of comparable carbamates, demonstrating the economic viability of these new biobased insecticides.

Prenatal and childhood neonicotinoid exposure and neurodevelopment: A study in a young Taiwanese cohort.

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs) dominate the global pesticide market because of their low cost and effectiveness. However, epidemiological studies regarding the potential adverse health effects of exposure to NEOs before birth and in early childhood are limited. Therefore, this study investigated the associations between NEO exposure before birth and during early childhood and neurodevelopment. A total of 273 mother-child pairs were enrolled in this study. Mothers provided urine samples in the third trimester and breast milk during the first and third months of lactation. Their children provided urine samples and were evaluated for neurodevelopment by using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition at 2-3 years (N = 96) and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) at 4-6 years (N = 63). The sum of the concentrations of seven NEOs (ΣNEOs) and the relative potency factor of NEOs, based on comparison with imidacloprid (IMIRPF), were used to assess total exposure to NEOs. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between prenatal and childhood exposure to NEOs and neurodevelopment. The results of the analysis revealed that clothianidin (CLO) and thiamethoxam were the most common NEOs to which children in the Taipei metropolitan area were exposed and that exposure concentrations were high in the Taipei metropolitan area. Imidacloprid was the most frequently detected NEO during the postnatal period. Additionally, exposure to NEOs through breast milk was low. Exposure to CLO, ΣNEOs, and IMIRPF in boys aged 4-6 years was negatively correlated with WPPSI-IV Fluid Reasoning Index. The results of this study indicate that exposure during the third trimester to NEOs does not affect neurodevelopment but that childhood exposure to NEOs may, especially for boys. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the sex-specific associations between NEO exposure and neurodevelopment.

Contributions of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Receptors for the Activities of Pectis brevipedunculata Essential Oil against Drosophila suzukii and Pollinator Bees.

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.

Statement on the toxicological properties and maximum residue levels of acetamiprid and its metabolites.

Acetamiprid is a pesticide active substance with insecticidal action whose approval was renewed by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/113. In January 2022, the EFSA PPR Panel published a statement following a request from the European Commission to advise on human health or the environment based on new scientific evidence presented by France during the decision-making phase. In July 2022, by means of a further mandate received from the European Commission, EFSA was requested to provide advice if new information and any other scientific evidence that has become available since the assessment conducted for the renewal in 2018 warrant re-evaluation of (i) toxicological parameters used for the risk assessment of acetamiprid during the renewal process, including toxicological endpoints; (ii) the residue definition for acetamiprid in products of plant origin; and (iii) the safety of existing maximum residue levels (MRLs). Meanwhile, the applicant of acetamiprid in the EU submitted new toxicology studies regarding the toxicological profile of the metabolite IM-2-1. Furthermore, the European Commission was made aware that several recent publications in scientific literature were made available after the literature searches conducted by EFSA. As the new data could affect the advice that EFSA was expected to deliver through the 2022 mandate, EFSA was further requested to consider this information by means of a revised mandate received in September 2023. As regards re-evaluation of point (i) in this statement, this was addressed by an EFSA Working Group integrating all the available evidence. The results of the weight of evidence indicated that there are major uncertainties in the body of evidence for the developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) properties of acetamiprid and further data are therefore needed to come to a more robust mechanistic understanding to enable appropriate hazard and risk assessment. In view of these uncertainties, the EFSA WG proposed to lower the acceptable daily intake (ADI) and acute reference dose (ARfD) from 0.025 to 0.005 mg/kg body weight (per day). A revised residue definition for risk assessment was proposed for leafy and fruit crops as sum of acetamiprid and N-desmethyl-acetamiprid (IM-2-1), expressed as acetamiprid. Regarding pulses/oilseeds, root crops and cereals, the new data received did not indicate a need to modify the existing residue definition for risk assessment, which therefore remains as parent acetamiprid. Regarding the residue definition for enforcement, the available data did not indicate a need to modify the existing definition because acetamiprid is still a sufficient marker of the residues in all crop groups. Considering the new health-based guidance values derived in the present statement, a risk for consumer has been identified for 38 MRLs currently in place in the EU Regulation. Consequently, EFSA recommended to lower the existing MRLs for 38 commodities based on the assessment of fall-back Good Agricultural Practices received within an ad hoc data call. Some fall-back MRLs proposals require further risk management considerations.

Bioactivities and Synergistic Effect of Elsholtzia ciliata Essential Oil and Its Main Components against Lasioderma serricorne.

Investigations have shown that storage bugs seriously harm grains during storage. In the interim, essential oils (EOs) have been proven to be a good botanical pesticide. The anti-Lasioderma serricorne properties of Elsholtzia ciliata essential oil, which was obtained by steam distillation, were evaluated using DL-limonene, carvone, and their two optical isomer components using contact, repelling, and fumigation techniques. Simultaneously, the fumigation, contact, and repellent activities of carvone and its two optical isomers mixed with DL-limonene against L. serruricorne were evaluated. The results showed that E. ciliata, its main components (R-carvone, DL-limonene), and S-carvone exhibited both fumigations (LC50 = 14.47, 4.42, 20.9 and 3.78 mg/L) and contact (LD50 = 7.31, 4.03, 28.62 and 5.63 µg/adult) activity against L.serricorne. A binary mixture (1:1) of R-carvone and DL-limonene displayed an obvious synergistic effect. A binary mixture (1:1) of carvone and its two optical isomers exhibited an obvious synergistic effect, too. Furthermore, the repellent activity of the EO, carvone, and its two optical isomers, DL-limonene, and a combination of them varied. To stop insect damage during storage, E. ciliata and its components can be utilized as bio-insecticides.

Alien species water hyacinth realizes waste into treasure: The preparation of biomass sorbent to determine benzoylurea insecticides in tea products.

A fast and effective analytical method with biomass solid-phase microextraction sorbent combined with a high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detector was proposed for the determination of benzoylurea (BU) insecticides in tea products. The novel sorbent was prepared by activating and then carbonizing water hyacinth with a fast growth rate and low application value as raw material and showed a high specific surface area and multiple interactions with analytes, such as electrostatic action, hydrogen bonding, and π-π conjugation. After optimizing the three most important extraction parameters (pH [X1], sample loading rate [X2], and solution volume [X3]) by Box-Behnken design, the as-established analytical method showed good extraction performance: excellent recovery (80.13%-106.66%) and wide linear range (1-400 µg/L) with a determination coefficient of 0.9992-0.9999, a low limit of detection of 0.02-0.1 µg/L and the satisfactory practical application results in tea products. All these indicate that the water hyacinth-derived material has the potential as a solid-phase extraction sorbent for the detection and removal of BU insecticides from tea products, and at the same time, it can also achieve the effect of rational use of biological resources, maintaining ecological balance, turning waste into treasure, and achieving industrial production.