6533b851fe1ef96bd12a9091
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Neonicotinoids from coated seeds toxic for honeydew-feeding biological control agents
Marcel DickeJonathan DregniJoel González-cabreraMiguel Calvo-agudoAlejandro TenaGeorge E. Heimpelsubject
InsecticidesHoneydewH10 Pests of plantsAphidoletes aphidimyzaSoybean aphidHealth Toxicology and MutagenesisPredatory midgePredatory midgesToxicologyT01 PollutionParasitic waspsNeonicotinoidschemistry.chemical_compoundOxazinesAnimalsBeneficial insectsSoybean aphidLaboratory of EntomologySeed coatingParasitic waspAphelinus certusbiologyfungiNeonicotinoidfood and beveragesGeneral MedicineNitro Compoundsbiology.organism_classificationPE&RCLaboratorium voor EntomologiePollutionThiazolesBiological Control AgentschemistryAgronomyAphidsSeed treatmentSeedsSoybeansAphis glycinesThiamethoxamEPSThiamethoxamSoybean Aphidsdescription
Seed coating (‘seed treatment’) is the leading delivery method of neonicotinoid insecticides in major crops such as soybean, wheat, cotton and maize. However, this prophylactic use of neonicotinoids is widely discussed from the standpoint of environmental costs. Growing soybean plants from neonicotinoid-coated seeds in field, we demonstrate that soybean aphids (Aphis glycines) survived the treatment, and excreted honeydew containing neonicotinoids. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that honeydew excreted by the soybean aphid contained substantial concentrations of neonicotinoids even one month after sowing of the crop. Consuming this honeydew reduced the longevity of two biological control agents of the soybean aphid, the predatory midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza and the parasitic wasp Aphelinus certus. These results have important environmental and economic implications because honeydew is the main carbohydrate source for many beneficial insects in agricultural landscapes.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-01-01 |