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RESEARCH PRODUCT
Neonicotinoids in excretion product of phloem-feeding insects kill beneficial insects
Alejandro TenaAlberto UrbanejaPau Calatayud-vernichMarcel DickeYolanda PicóMiguel Calvo-agudoJoel González-cabrerasubject
0106 biological sciencesHoneydewInsectaPhloemBiology010603 evolutionary biology01 natural sciencesBiological control agentsToxicologyNeonicotinoidschemistry.chemical_compoundPollinatorImidaclopridAnimalsNectarBeneficial insectsLaboratory of EntomologyMultidisciplinaryAgricultural Sciencesbusiness.industryPollinatorsfungiNeonicotinoidPest controlfood and beveragesFeeding BehaviorBiological SciencesPE&RCEnvironmental risk assessmentLaboratorium voor EntomologieSurvival AnalysisCucurbitaceae010602 entomologyHoneydewchemistryThiamethoxamEPSbusinessThiamethoxamdescription
Significance The use of insecticides in agriculture is one of the suggested causes of the decline in insect populations. Neonicotinoids are among the most widely used insecticides. However, they have important negative side effects, especially for pollinators and other beneficial insects feeding on floral nectar and pollen. We identified an exposure route: Neonicotinoids reach and kill beneficial insects when they feed on the most abundant carbohydrate source for insects in agroecosystems, honeydew. Honeydew is the excretion product of phloem-feeding hemipteran insects such as aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, or psyllids. This route of exposure is likely to affect a much wider range of beneficial insects and crops than contaminated nectar. Therefore, it should be included in future environmental risk assessments of neonicotinoids.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-08-07 |