Search Results (106)

Mycterothrips glycines Okamoto (1911) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is rapidly increasing in fields, posing a new and potentially serious threat to soybean production in Northeast China. To clarify the population dynamics and screen effective insecticides against M. glycines, systematic monitoring and pesticide evaluation were conducted from 2024 to 2025. Occurrence dynamics were continuously monitored using yellow and blue sticky boards, while ten commonly used commercial insecticide formulations (thiamethoxam, clothianidin, sulfoxaflor, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, fenthion, pyridaben, abamectin, beta-cypermethrin, spinetoram) were hierarchically screened through laboratory bioassays, pot trials, and field spraying experiments. The results revealed a distinct ‘rise-and-fall’ occurrence pattern, with the initial, peak, and late occurrence periods occurring in mid-July, late July to early August, and mid-to-late August, respectively. Thiamethoxam and clothianidin exhibited the strongest toxicity against M. glycines (LC₅₀ values of 12.87 mg/L and 13.46 mg/L, respectively), achieving field control efficacies exceeding 85%, which were significantly superior to conventional agents such as imidacloprid and abamectin. The study identified the soybean flowering stage as the critical window for control, recommending preventive interventions when sticky trap monitoring indicates the initial population peak (around mid-July). This research fills the technical gaps regarding the occurrence dynamics of M. glycines and the lack of registered control products in China, providing essential support for precision monitoring and management of soybean thrips. Full article

New insecticides for indoor residual spraying (IRS) are being developed to manage resistance. Chlorfenapyr (Sylando^® 240SC), a pro-insecticide, is metabolized by active mosquitoes into the toxic metabolite tralopyril. This mode of action requires adapted “free flying” bioassays (because chlorfenapyr is converted to its toxic metabolite tralopyril when mosquitoes are metabolically active). A miniature-experimental hut (MEH) assay was developed within the Ifakara Ambient Chamber Test (I-ACT) with a rabbit as a host to measure residual efficacy under controlled conditions. Sylando^® 240SC was compared with SumiShield^® 50WG (clothianidin) for 12-month residual efficacy against malaria and arbovirus vectors. Residual activity was assessed on mud, wood and concrete with two huts per substrate treated with Sylando^® 240SC, one with SumiShield^® 50WG, and one with untreated control. Five replicates of 20 mosquitoes per strain (malaria vectors: pyrethroid-susceptible Anopheles gambiae and -resistant An. arabiensis and An. funestus; culicines Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus) were exposed overnight at one-week post spraying and monthly thereafter. Multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression with binomial errors and log link function assessed non-inferiority with a 7% margin on mosquito mortality as the primary outcome for malaria vectors. Both products induced delayed mortality, with higher effects on malaria vectors than culicines. Across all substrates and malaria species combined over the full 12 months of observation, Sylando^® 240SC was non-inferior to SumiShield^® 50WG on mortality measured at 72 h (76% vs. 67%, OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.97) and 168 h (89% vs. 82%, OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63–0.87). Sylando^® 240SC performed comparably to SumiShield^® 50WG, supporting its use as an IRS additional option. The new I-ACT mini-experimental-hut assay provides a practical tool for evaluating pro-insecticides. The importance of free-flight evaluation methods for pro-insecticides is discussed. Full article

Clothianidin (CLO) is a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide in agricultural systems and may pose risks to non-target aquatic organisms, including amphibians. Here, we evaluated acute and sublethal effects of CLO on Fejervarya cancrivora tadpoles, an important predator of insect pests in rice paddy ecosystems. Acute toxicity tests (96 h) yielded an LC₅₀ of 50.41 mg a.i./L (with LC₁₀, LC₂₅ and LC₃₀ values of 15.35, 31.96 and 36.07 mg a.i./L, respectively). Sublethal exposure at these concentrations significantly reduced body weight, whole-body length, and hindlimb length during metamorphosis. CLO also altered thyroid hormone regulation, with T4 showing a dose-dependent increase, while T3 was elevated relative to controls but showed comparatively limited additional sensitivity to concentration and exposure duration. Locomotor activity was impaired under sublethal CLO exposure, reflected by reduced swimming distance and speed. In addition, frogs that developed from CLO-exposed tadpoles exhibited decreased feeding efficiency on brown planthoppers (Nilaparvata lugens) across developmental stages 46–48. Together, these findings demonstrate that CLO can affect amphibian development, endocrine regulation, and behavior at sublethal levels, highlighting the need to incorporate sublethal endpoints into ecological risk assessment and to promote pest management strategies that reduce impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Full article

Corn is a critically important agricultural crop, with different parts consumed at specific growth stages—notably, fresh corn and corn grain. The field residue behaviors of clothianidin and phoxim in fresh corn and corn grain were investigated by using a QuEChERS technique combined with UPLC-MS/MS, and the dietary exposure risks of the insecticides were evaluated. Field trials were conducted under the recommended application conditions (2250 g active ingredient per hectare of 2% clothianidin and phoxim granules, applied once) at 12 agricultural regions across China under various climatic conditions to study the residue levels of pesticides. The samples were collected at harvest of fresh corn and corn grain, separately. The results indicated that the residues of the phoxim remained stable in all samples stored at −20 °C for 6 months (180 days). At harvest, the concentrations of clothianidin in fresh corn ranged from <0.01 to 0.027 mg/kg (below the MRL of 0.1 mg/kg established by Japan); the concentrations of phoxim in fresh corn were all below 0.01 mg/kg (below the Chinese MRL of 0.1 mg/kg). In corn grain, clothianidin residues ranged from <0.01 to 0.018 mg/kg (below the Chinese MRL of 0.02 mg/kg), while phoxim residues were below 0.01 mg/kg (below the Chinese MRL of 0.1 mg/kg). Dietary risk assessment based on Chinese pesticide registration status and the per capita dietary structure of Chinese residents showed that the national estimated daily intake (NEDI) of clothianidin for the general population was 0.49 mg, accounting for 7.8% of the adult acceptable daily intake (ADI), while NEDI of phoxim for the general population was 0.048 mg, accounting for 19.2% of adult ADI. The results suggest that the associated health risks are acceptable for the general population. On the basis of these findings, it is recommended to establish an MRL for clothianidin in fresh corn in China at 0.1 mg/kg. This study provided basic data on the use and safety of clothianidin and phoxim in fresh corn and corn grain to help the Chinese government formulate a maximum residue level for clothianidin in fresh corn. Full article

Neonicotinoid insecticides and fluoroquinolone antibiotics frequently co-occur in aquatic and terrestrial environments, posing a threat to human health, yet their combined neurotoxic potential remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity of typical neonicotinoids and fluoroquinolones as well as their mixtures in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells and identify affected pathways. SK-N-SH cells were exposed to clothianidin (CLO), imidacloprid (IMI), enrofloxacin (ENR), and ofloxacin (OFX) individually and in fixed-ratio mixtures (50% of each compound’s IC₅₀) for 24 h and 48 h, and cell viability was quantified using the alamarBlue^® method. Single-compound dose–response testing showed time-dependent cytotoxicity, with higher potency for fluoroquinolones (24 h IC₅₀: ENR 1.446 mM, OFX 2.742 mM; 48 h IC₅₀: ENR 0.826 mM, OFX 2.005 mM) than neonicotinoids (24 h IC₅₀: IMI 4.754 mM, CLO 5.356 mM; 48 h IC₅₀: IMI 3.631 mM, CLO 4.029 mM). Concentration-addition analysis indicated that most mixtures produced synergistic interaction in reduction in cell viability, with ENR+OFX showing the strongest effect at 48 h (Observed viability 7.138% vs. Predicated viability 82.368%). RNA-seq (24 h) revealed that binary mixtures generally induced more differentially expressed genes than single exposures, and ENR-containing mixtures showed the largest transcriptomic shifts, enriching pathways related to cellular stress and injury as well as neuronal signaling and connectivity. RT-qPCR validated the changes in expressions of five key neurobiology-relevant genes (LMO3, NOS1, ADCY8, FGF7 and TNFRSF12A). These findings highlight the importance of assessing insecticide–antibiotic mixtures when evaluating their hazards in environment. Full article

Neonicotinoids are synthetic nicotine-like compounds extensively used globally as insecticides for agricultural and urban purposes. Neonicotinoid-contaminated produce is a major public health concern worldwide. Limited epidemiological studies have shown an association of neonicotinoid exposure with abnormal semen analysis. This study aimed to elucidate the potential disruption of the androgen receptor (AR) by eight common neonicotinoids, including imidacloprid (IMI), acetamiprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, thiacloprid (THI), nitenpyram, and nithiazine using docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results showed good binding strength of all compounds (except THI) with AR, as indicated by high binding energy, high binding affinity, and number of bonding interactions. The results of MD simulation supported the conformational stability and structural dynamic behavior of the AR-IMI (receptor-neonicotinoid) complex upon binding. This was indicated by root mean square deviation showing stability of the complex; the root mean square fluctuation showing minimized residual fluctuations upon binding; the radius of gyration showing greater compactness of the protein structure; the solvent-accessible surface area showing no changes upon binding; and the Gibbs funnel energy of the landscape showing a stable conformation state with minimum energy and slight change in size and position of the sampled energy basin of the AR, with a stable equilibrium. Taken together, the structural dynamics results showed that neonicotinoids are bound stably in the same ligand-binding domain of the AR as the native ligand testosterone. This may perturb the natural binding of testosterone with the AR and potentially disrupt downstream signaling and biological pathways, leading to male reproductive dysfunction. Full article

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) are globally pervasive, and toxicological evidence indicates potential adverse effects from low-dose exposure in non-targeted organisms. Humans may be exposed to NNIs through multiple pathways, such as ingestion and inhalation, with dietary intake recognized as the dominant exposure route. However, longitudinal evidence characterizing evolving exposure patterns in rural children remains scarce. We evaluated temporal trends and dietary determinants of NNI exposure among 643 children at ages 7, 10, and 14 years in the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study. Twelve NNIs and six metabolites in urine samples were measured using UPLC-HRMS; estimated daily exposure doses and hazard index (HI) were calculated, and linear mixed models were used to evaluate dietary determinants of NNI exposure. Widespread exposure was observed (ΣNNIs detection: 98.8–100%), and although cumulative risks remained below safety thresholds, both medians and upper bounds of HI increased with age (0.0007 to 0.0074; 0.2045 to 0.4054). Notably, exposure composition shifted, with declining imidacloprid and emerging dominance of clothianidin (CLO) and thiamethoxam (THM). Fruit and vegetable intakes were positively associated with ΣNNIs, whereas cereals, poultry, and eggs showed inverse associations, with more pronounced effects observed in boys. These findings indicated persistent yet evolving exposure risks in school-aged children, highlighting fruits and vegetables as major contributors. Although current toxicological risk appears low, the transition toward CLO and THM—compounds with limited chronic toxicity data—underscores the need for continued biomonitoring and targeted exposure mitigation. Full article

This study explores the efficacy of plasma-activated water (PAW), produced using a laboratory-made pin-hole air plasma jet, in the reduction of pesticide residues, including clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and propoxur. The physicochemical analysis indicated that PAW’s pH decreased significantly with longer discharge times, while oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) and electrical conductivity (EC) increased. Nitrogen and oxygen species in the plasma state were confirmed using optical emission spectroscopy. These results reflected the formation of rich reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), including hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and nitrate, contributing to its strong oxidative properties. The optimal PAW parameters for pesticide degradation were determined, and pesticide reduction was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). After 25 min of treatment, maximum reduction rates of 65%, 93%, and 88% were achieved for clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and propoxur, respectively. Only clothianidin yielded a single degradation product which is suggested to be formed by cyclic rearrangement following the loss of Cl and NO₂, while those of thiamethoxam and propoxur were not detected. PAW produced by atmospheric pin-hole air plasma jet demonstrated superior degradation efficiency with minimal toxic by-product formation. The findings contribute valuable insights into sustainable practices for environmental detoxification. Full article

The extensive use of clothianidin pesticide poses significant risks to non-target organisms and water resources. In this study, NiO-GO is reported as an effective photocatalyst for the degradation of clothianidin in aqueous medium. Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles were synthesized by a green method using Pisum sativum (pea) peel extract, which serves as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent, and subsequently integrated with graphene oxide (GO) through ultrasonication to form a NiO-GO composite in a 1:1 ratio. The materials were characterized by various techniques. Photocatalytic degradation of clothianidin under natural sunlight was systematically investigated, assessing the effects of pH, catalyst dosage, initial pollutant concentration, and agitation speed. The NiO-GO composite exhibited superior photocatalytic performance (96% degradation at pH 3 within 60 min) compared to pristine NiO and GO, with a rate constant 4.4 and 3.3 times higher, respectively. The as-prepared NiO-GO photocatalyst exhibited nearly consistent degradation efficiency over two successive cycles, demonstrating its excellent structural stability and reusability. The enhanced performance is attributed to improved charge separation afforded by GO support. This low-cost, green, and efficient NiO-GO photocatalyst demonstrates promising potential for sustainable pesticide remediation in aqueous environments. Full article

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs), one of the most widely used pesticide classes worldwide, have raised concerns due to potential neurotoxic effects. Yet evidence on human exposure and health outcomes, particularly in preschool children, remains limited. In this study, 506 children aged 3–6 years from Shenzhen, China, were assessed. Neurobehavioral development was evaluated with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and urinary concentrations of 11 NEOs were measured, including imidacloprid (IMI), clothianidin (CLO), thiamethoxam (THM), dinotefuran (DNT), nitenpyram (NIT), sulfoxaflor (SFX), acetamiprid (ACE), thiacloprid (THD), flonicamid (FLO), 6-chloronicotinic acid (6-CINA), N-desmethyl-acetamiprid (NACE), and N-desmethyl-thiamethoxam (NTHM). Seven compounds showed high detection rates, including IMI (97.4%), CLO (100%), THM (100%), DNT (99.8%), NIT (99.8%), NACE (100%), and NTHM (99.8%). The mean urinary concentration was 234.145 μg/g creatinine, exceeding levels in earlier studies and indicating widespread exposure. IMI, NTHM, and NACE showed significant positive dose–response relationships with emotional symptoms, hyperactivity, and total difficulties and were major contributors in mixture models; sex-stratified analyses suggested effect modification for NTHM and NACE. These findings provide new epidemiological evidence to inform public health risk assessment and regulatory action on NEOs. Full article

The efficacy of indoor residual spray (IRS) products is affected by various factors, such as the substrate on which they are sprayed and the surface concentration and bioavailability of the insecticide. This study investigated the potential of bespoke silica particles (hereafter referred to as ‘X-tec silica’) as a unique carrier for insecticides to reduce the insecticide content in an IRS formulation by improving pickup by mosquitoes and optimising the physical state of the insecticide while maintaining its residual biological activity on a surface. Molecular computer modelling was used to define the critical crystallisation size of clothianidin, and silica particles were manufactured with pore diameters smaller than this length to maintain the insecticide in an amorphous state. Silica carriers were then formulated to incorporate clothianidin inside their pores, and a full material characterisation was conducted to assess the clothianidin coating position on/in the silica particles, their concentration, and their physical form. The clothianidin-formulated silica (10%) was sprayed at three different application rates (30, 60, and 90 mg active ingredient (a.i.)/m²) onto two surfaces: glazed and unglazed tiles. The tiles were tested for bioefficacy against the insecticide-susceptible Anopheles gambiae s.s. Kisumu mosquito strain at 1 week and 8 months post-spray application. At 1 week post-spray application, at 60 and 90 mg a.i./m² application rates, 100% mortality was observed on both surfaces within 48 h. For the lowest concentration (30 mg a.i./m²), 100% mortality was reached within 72 h on glazed tiles; however, for unglazed tiles, due to the surface irregularity and porosity, it remained below 60%. At 8 months post-spray application, on glazed tiles, 100% mortality was reached within 24 h at 60 and 90 mg a.i./m² application rates and within 48 h at 30 mg a.i./m². On unglazed tiles, 96 h mortality was not measured; however, 100% mortality was reached within 72 h (90 mg a.i./m²) and 120 h (60 mg a.i./m²) at higher concentrations. At the lowest concentration (30 mg a.i./m²) at 120 h, mortality only reached 25%. The lowest application rate tested (30 mg a.i./m²) is ten times lower than that of current products on the market and demonstrates the potential of this approach. Preliminary findings from this study suggest that X-tec silica particles may enhance the effectiveness of IRS using clothianidin. However, further extensive research is needed to confirm this. Full article

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are a class of systemic insecticides widely used in agriculture owing to their high efficacy and selectivity. As one of the most globally consumed beverages, tea may represent a potential dietary source of pesticide residues. However, limited research has examined NEO contamination in tea and its implications for human exposure, highlighting the need for further investigation. Therefore, this study comprehensively evaluated the residue characteristics, processing effects, and human exposure risks of six NEOs—dinotefuran (DIN), imidacloprid (IMI), acetamiprid (ACE), thiamethoxam (THM), clothianidin (CLO), and thiacloprid (THI)—in Chinese tea products. According to the findings, the primary pollutants, ACE, DIN, and IMI, accounted for 95.65% of the total NEO residues in 137 tea samples, including green, oolong, white, black, dark, and herbal teas. The highest total target NEO (∑₆NEOs) residue level was detected in oolong tea (mean: 57.86 ng/g). Meanwhile, IMI exhibited the highest residue level (78.88 ng/g) in herbal tea due to the absence of high-temperature fixation procedures. Concentrations of DIN in 61 samples (44.5%) exceeded the European Union’s maximum residue limit of 10 ng/g. Health risk assessment indicated that both the chronic hazard quotient (cHQ) and acute hazard quotient (aHQ) for adults and children were below the safety threshold (<1). However, children required special attention, as their exposure risk was 1.28 times higher than that of adults. The distribution of NEO residues was significantly influenced by tea processing techniques, such as full fermentation in black tea. Optimizing processing methods (e.g., using infrared enzyme deactivation) and implementing targeted pesticide application strategies may help mitigate risk. These results provide a scientific foundation for enhancing tea safety regulations and protecting consumer health. Full article

This study evaluated the adsorption and desorption of imidacloprid (IMI), thiamethoxam (THM) and clothianidin (CLO) in an andisol (Freire soil) and an inceptisol (Chufquén soil) from southern Chile with different organic matter and clay contents. The soils had a slightly acidic pH and clay and clay-loam textures. The tests were carried out at 20 °C with CaCl₂ 0.01 M as the electrolyte. Kinetic experiments were performed and isotherms were fitted to the pseudo-second-order, Elovich, Weber–Morris, Freundlich and Langmuir models. The kinetics were best described by the pseudo-second-order model (R² > 0.99), indicating chemisorption; the rate was the highest for THM, although IMI and CLO achieved the highest retention capacities. The Chufquén samples, with lower organic matter but 52% clay, exhibited the highest K_f and q_m of up to 12.4 and 270 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, while the K_d (2.3–6.9 L kg⁻¹) and K_oc (24–167 L kg⁻¹) coefficients revealed a moderate leaching risk. THM was the most mobile compound due to its high solubility. Desorption was partially irreversible (H = 0.48–1.48), indicating persistence in soil. FTIR analysis confirmed the interaction with O-Al-O/O-O-Si-O groups without alterations in the mineral structure. In the soils examined in this study, the clay fraction and variable-charge minerals, rather than organic matter, were more closely associated with the adsorption behaviour of these NNIs. Full article

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) have emerged as viable alternatives to conventional organophosphate pesticides and are widely used in agriculture, horticulture, and household applications. However, the increasing frequency and concentration of NEOs detected in water, sediments, soil, and other environmental media have raised significant concerns about their threats to ecosystems and public health globally. This review paper compiles and integrates key findings from previous studies to analyze the overall occurrence and distribution trends of NEOs in sediments, soil, and other environmental media in China from 2019 to 2024, which has updated and analyzed new data and advanced the knowledge that the previous literature disclosed. The main findings of this work were that over the past decades, NEOs have been consistently detected in sediments, soils, and other environmental media at concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 ng g⁻¹ dw. Acetamiprid (ACE), imidacloprid (IMI), clothianidin (CLO), and thiamethoxam (THM) are the most frequently detected NEOs in sediments and soil. It was found from this work that the threshold concentration of NEOs in soil is very limited, and there are no official acceptable toxic levels of NEOs in soil/water/sediments. Only few countries have conducted the work, at the initial phase, on regulating NEOs and have established their regulatory threshold levels. The associated ecological risks and levels of human exposure in soil have been evaluated, revealing that imidacloprid and thiamethoxam present higher risks for long-term environmental contamination due to their relatively higher concentrations. In contrast, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, and thiacloprid exhibited lower environmental persistence, potentially posing lower ecological risks. These trends imply the need for more focused monitoring and regulatory efforts for compounds like imidacloprid, which exhibit higher concentrations in environmental media. Despite these findings, the contamination of NEOs in sediments and soils is still considered to receive insufficient attention, particularly in northern and western China. Furthermore, the presence of NEOs in other environmental media, including indoor dust, wheat grains, vegetables, and teas, warrants further investigation and concern. Full article

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are widely used neuroactive insecticides with several adverse effects on human health. This study examined 186 colostrum samples collected at three time points between 2007 and 2019 from Shanghai, China to investigate the distribution and temporal variations of NEOs. The median total concentration (ΣNEOs) was 136 ng/L, with the imidacloprid equivalent concentration (IMIeq) of 249 ng/L. N-desmethyl-acetamiprid (DM-ACE) had the highest median level at 49.6 ng/L, accounting for 43.9% of ΣNEOs, followed by imidacloprid (IMI) (20.1 ng/L and 22.1%). Thiamethoxam (THM), clothianidin, and acetamiprid were also identified as important parent compounds (p-NEOs). Temporal variations suggested a decrease in ΣNEOs, IMIeq, and DM-ACE concentrations from 2013 to 2019; however, the total concentrations of p-NEOs remained comparable. Distinct trends were also observed in the concentrations of dinotefuran and IMI. Maternal body mass index and weight changes, which reflect the dietary habits of mothers, appeared to influence IMI and THM levels. No statistically significant relationships were found between colostrum concentrations and birth parameters using full-term birth data in 2019. The estimated hazard quotients (≤0.003), which were far below the risk threshold of 1, generally indicated negligible health risks for breastfeeding neonates. Nevertheless, the substantial contribution from several p-NEOs warrants further investigation. Full article