Search Results (652)

The laboratory toxicity and physiological effects of three biopesticides—the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, the biocontrol bacterium Bacillus safensis, and the botanical insecticide Artemisia ordosica essential oil—were evaluated against Megalurothrips usitatus, a major pest of alfalfa. All three biopesticides caused concentration-dependent mortality in M. usitatus. Among them, B. bassiana showed the highest corrected mortality (88.42%) and the shortest median lethal time (LT₅₀ = 4.51 days), indicating strong insecticidal activity. The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values at 7 days post-treatment were 4.48 × 10⁵ CFU/mL for B. bassiana, 1.67 × 10⁵ CFU/mL for B. safensis, and 2.907 mg/L for A. ordosica essential oil. Moreover, exposure to high concentrations of each agent significantly altered the activities of the protective enzyme peroxidase (POD) and the detoxifying enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST). Our study supports the use of these biopesticides for thrips management and provides a scientific basis for the eco-friendly and sustainable control of alfalfa pests. Full article

Prostephanus truncatus is well known for causing extensive postharvest losses and threatening food security in tropical and subtropical regions. The reliance on synthetic insecticides has raised concerns about the development of resistance, environmental safety, food contamination, and human health, emphasizing the need for alternative management strategies. Thus, the present study evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of diatomaceous earth (DE) in the Protector formula alone and in combination with spinosad, abamectin, or the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana against P. truncatus adults and their progeny production on maize under two temperatures (25 and 30 °C) at low concentrations. Bioassays revealed that DE or B. bassiana alone induced low mortality, while spinosad and abamectin single applications resulted in high mortality rates, achieving 100% after 21 days of exposure at 30 °C at the higher concentrations. The combined applications of spinosad or abamectin with DE resulted in complete mortality and progeny suppression at lower concentrations at 25 °C. Temperature had a significant influence in some cases. Overall, these findings demonstrate that DE, when combined with other natural insecticidal agents at low concentrations, especially spinosad and abamectin at specific temperatures, can provide highly effective control of P. truncatus, offering a promising strategy for integrated pest management (IPM) in stored maize. Full article

This study analyzed 5731 Egyptian onion samples collected from 2021 to 2024 to detect 430 pesticide residues and evaluate occurrence patterns, EU Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) compliance, multiple residue prevalence, and consumer health implications. The analysis revealed temporal fluctuations in contamination, with residue-free samples ranging from 51.19% (2023) to 75.59% (2022) and MRL exceedances varying from 1.34% (2022) to 8.33% (2023). Throughout 2021–2024, fungicides dominated pesticide residues, declining from 70% to 50%, while insecticides increased from 30% to 40%. Pesticide detection patterns shifted significantly over the study period, with carbendazim decreasing from 20.99% to 2.35%, azoxystrobin fluctuating between 3.86% and 18.78%, and dimethomorph rising to 16.67%, reflecting evolving agricultural practices. Multiple residue occurrence fluctuated dramatically, from 9.76% (2022) to a peak of 30.82% (2023), while single residue occurrence remained more stable, ranging between 14.06% and 22.90%. Several pesticides exceeded EU MRLs, including imazalil, chlorpropham, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, and profenofos. Despite these violations, the EFSA PRIMo 3.1 model’s chronic risk assessment showed that exposure levels for all population groups remained well below Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) thresholds, with a maximum %ADI of 2.27% for chlorpyrifos in high-consumption regions. Full article

Phthonandria atrilineata, also known as the mulberry looper, is a major defoliator of mulberry trees. This feeding behavior directly affects the growth of the trees and reduces the quality and yield of mulberry leaves for its use in sericulture. Despite its importance the molecular basis of its resistance to insecticides remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively characterize the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) gene family in P. atrilineata and identify key effectors responsible for responses to diverse chemical stressors. We integrated genome-wide re-annotation, phylogenetic analysis, and comparative transcriptomics following exposure to five chemically distinct insecticides. We identified a high-confidence set of 70 P450 genes, dominated by the CYP6 and CYP4 families, whose expansion was driven by tandem gene duplication. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a powerful yet highly selective “elite-driven” response, wherein a small subset of P450s was strongly induced by multiple insecticides. Random Forest and Support Vector Machine (SVM) models converged with differential expression data to pinpoint a core trio of P450s as primary drivers of detoxification: two generalists, CYP6(09521) and CYP6(04876), responsive to all compounds, and one potent specialist, CYP4(04803), exhibiting massive induction to a specific subset of insecticides. Our findings uncover a complex, energy-efficient metabolic strategy in P. atrilineata and identify pivotal P450 genes for broad-spectrum detoxification. These genes represent high-priority targets for developing molecular diagnostic tools for resistance monitoring and informing scientifically guided insecticide rotation strategies. Full article

Imidacloprid (IMI), a neonicotinoid insecticide, is widely recognized for its environmental persistence and toxicity to non-target aquatic organisms. Extended photoperiod exposure (EPE), an emerging anthropogenic stressor, further disrupts aquatic ecosystems by altering physiological and biological processes. However, their combined impacts on aquatic species remain insufficiently explored. This study evaluates the synergistic effects of IMI and EPE on Procambarus clarkii, an ecologically and economically significant crayfish species. Crayfish were exposed to 25 µg/L IMI under normal photoperiod (1000 lx, L:D = 12:12 h) and additional intensified and extended photoperiod (5000 lx, L:D = 18:6 h) treatments over one month. Key parameters, including survival rate, growth performance, oxidative stress markers, immune enzyme activities, neuroendocrine hormone levels, and gene expression, were assessed. The results indicate that EPE significantly amplifies the adverse effects of IMI. EPE reduced survival rates and growth performance, particularly in the 5000 lx group. IMI combined with EPE markedly elevated oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and altered activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Immune functions were impaired, with significant reductions in lysozyme (LZM) and acid phosphatase (ACP). Neuroendocrine disruption was observed through suppressed melatonin (MT) levels under EPE. Gene-expression analysis revealed upregulation of oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways (Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT and caspase-3) and downregulation of anti-apoptotic genes (bcl-2) and molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH). This study demonstrates that EPE exacerbates IMI-induced physiological and biochemical disruptions in P. clarkii. The findings highlight the pressing need for integrated management strategies addressing chemical and light pollution to protect aquatic ecosystems and sustain economically important species like crayfish. Full article

Permethrin (PERM) is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide initially regarded as low risk. However, evidence now indicates that misuse and prolonged exposure can damage multiple physiological systems by disrupting enzymatic functions in subcellular structures. In this study, male Wistar rats were administered PERM (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg/day) for 15 days to assess its effect on hematological and biochemical parameters, including oxidative stress markers in the liver, kidney, and heart. Subacute PERM administration induced significant, dose-dependent toxicological alterations in exposed animals. Hematological analysis revealed impaired hematopoiesis, characterized by increased erythrocytes and platelets alongside decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and red cell distribution width. Biochemical analysis revealed elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin, along with reduced albumin levels, indicating hepatic alterations associated with PERM. The assessment of oxidative stress revealed tissue-specific responses following PERM exposure. While GPx, CAT, and SOD levels remained unchanged, GR activity increased in the heart, and GST activity increased in the liver. Additionally, a substantial decrease in MDA was observed in both the liver and heart. These collective alterations found in PERM-subacute exposed rats suggest the potential for cellular damage with the possible development of chronic pathologies, warranting further investigation. Full article

Acetamiprid (ACE), a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, has raised concerns due to its potential reproductive toxicity. While its adverse effects on animal reproductive systems have been documented, the impact of ACE on mammalian oocytes remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of ACE exposure on porcine oocytes and evaluate whether alpha-tocopherol (α-TOC), a fat-soluble antioxidant, could alleviate ACE-induced oocyte damage. Porcine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were exposed to ACE alone or co-treated with α-TOC for 44 h during in vitro maturation. ACE exposure significantly reduced the first polar body (PB1) excretion rate, arrested meiotic progression, and disrupted spindle assembly in porcine oocytes. Furthermore, ACE impaired mitochondrial function, evidenced by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), while increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Additionally, ACE exposure induced intracellular iron overload and dysregulated ferroptosis-related genes, downregulating solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7a11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) while upregulating transferrin receptor 1 (TfRC) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), contributing to the occurrence of oocyte ferroptosis. Notably, α-TOC co-treatment effectively alleviate oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, thereby protecting oocytes from ACE-induced ferroptosis. Collectively, these findings indicate that oxidative stress-mediated ferroptosis may be a major contributing pathway through which ACE impairs oocyte maturation and suggest that α-tocopherol may serve as a protective agent against ACE-induced oocyte damage. Full article

Neonicotinoid pesticides, including imidacloprid (IMI), are widely used in agriculture and as household insecticides. IMI displays strong affinity for insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs); however, neonicotinoids still partially bind to mammalian nAChRs. Relatively little is known about how neonicotinoid exposure alters learning, memory or mood, even though nAChRs play a role in these mechanisms. We tested the hypothesis that developmental exposure to IMI impairs performance on memory tasks, and anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. We orally dosed pregnant CD-1 mice from gestation day 10 to birth with vehicle or IMI at 0.5 mg/kg/day or 5.7 mg/kg/day. When exposed animals were adults, we examined cognitive and emotional behaviors and we examined the effect of IMI on α7 and α4 nAChR subunit mRNA expression using qPCR. For both sexes, IMI exposure was associated with impaired striatal-dependent procedural learning task and hippocampal-dependent spatial learning but had no effect on hippocampal-dependent working memory. Males, but not females, displayed increased anxiety-like behavior, with low dose subjects displaying more pronounced effects, suggesting a non-linear dose response. In males, we found lower α7 subunit mRNA expression in the hippocampus and amygdala and lower α4 mRNA expression in the striatum compared to controls. Thus, exposure to IMI during a critical period is associated with disruptions to cognitive and anxiety-like behaviors. Additionally, in males, IMI exposure is associated with reduced expression of nAChR subunits in relevant brain regions. Full article

House flies (Musca domestica L.) are major vectors of numerous pathogens affecting both humans and animals. The global distribution of house flies has been steadily increasing the expansion of human settlements, increased waste production, and the growth of livestock farms established to meet the demand for animal-derived products. Frequent exposure to intensive pesticide applications in agricultural and livestock areas has accelerated the development of insecticide resistance, posing a serious challenge to sustainable control efforts. The widespread and repeated use of conventional chemical insecticides has contributed to rapid resistance evolution in many populations worldwide. In this study, the acute toxic effects of two insect growth regulators (IGRs)—cyromazine and methoprene—commonly used in the larval stages of house flies were evaluated against adult flies. Treatments were applied (3 replicates) orally via 40% sugar-water solutions containing 1%, 5%, and 10% concentrations, and bioassays were conducted on eight distinct house fly populations. The results showed that cyromazine caused average adult mortalities of 76.35%, 81.00%, and 84.50% within 48 h, while methoprene produced 70.62%, 99.37%, and 100% mortality at the same concentrations. At 10%, methoprene achieved 100% mortality across all populations, whereas cyromazine induced mortality ranging from 44.28% to 100%. These findings suggest that IGRs can be effective alternatives to conventional insecticides and can be integrated into IPM/IVM programs to reduce chemical use and delay resistance. Full article

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), is among the most destructive invasive pests of tomato globally. The diamide insecticide tetraniliprole is increasingly used for its management. This study examines the sublethal effects of tetraniliprole on T. absoluta larvae, with a focus on its transgenerational impacts. Bioassays demonstrated that tetraniliprole was highly toxic to third-instar T. absoluta larvae, with an LC₅₀ of 0.029 mg/L. Sublethal (LC₁₀) and low lethal concentrations (LC₃₀) were used to investigate their impact on developmental, reproductive, and population parameters across two subsequent generations (F₁ and F₂). In the parental (F₀) generation, exposure to tetraniliprole at both concentrations significantly prolonged larval and pupal durations and reduced adult longevity and fecundity. In both F₁ and F₂ generations, concentration-dependent effects were observed—LC₁₀ accelerated development and enhanced fecundity and population growth, indicative of a hormetic response, whereas LC₃₀ delayed development and suppressed reproduction and survival. Life table analyses revealed significant changes in the r, λ, and T, particularly under LC₃₀. Additionally, the RT-qPCR analysis revealed the downregulation of development and reproduction-related genes (Vg, VgR, and JHBP) in the F₀ generation following exposure to tetraniliprole (LC₁₀ and LC₃₀). In contrast, these genes were upregulated in the progeny generations (F₁ and F₂) at LC₁₀. Furthermore, the overexpression of key detoxification genes, particularly CYP4M116 and CYP6AW1, persisted across all three generations. Taken together, these findings reveal a substantial risk of unintended population resurgence (hormesis effects) at sublethal concentrations, underscoring the importance of integrating transgenerational consequences into insecticide resistance management programs for sustainable control of this key insect pest. Full article

A four-year survey was conducted to monitor the presence of multiple pesticide residues contaminating tomatoes, with the aim of evaluating the potential health and environmental risks. A multiresidue liquid chromatography–triple mass spectrometry with a multiple reaction monitoring (LC-MS/MS-MRM) method was fully validated and used to test 252 pesticides in 360 samples analysed. According to SANTE guidelines, the proposed method was considered suitable for the purpose. Dietary risk assessment was conducted using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) approach and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Pesticide Residue Intake Model; meanwhile, the cumulative environmental risk assessment was conducted using the Concentration Addition (CA) and Independent Action (IA) methods. Data obtained revealed multiple contaminations in most fields examined over the years. Twenty-two pesticide residues were identified, comprising 68.2% fungicides, 27.3% insecticides, and the remaining 4.5% acaricides. Higher levels were detected for Boscalid in 2022 in three fields, with an average value of 0.42 mg/kg. Multi-residue contamination occurred each year; the lowest abundance was detected in 2023 (3.9%), and the highest in 2022 (12.3%), with 5 pesticide residues as the maximum number of compounds detected in one sample in 2022. The consumer risk assessment identified no potential health concerns for adults or toddlers, and the combined risk was considered acceptable. The environmental assessment showed maximum cumulative ratio (MCR) values that were always ≥1, indicating a contribution to the toxicity of the mixture, only slightly higher than that of the single compound with the highest toxicity. The results of this study highlight the critical need to include cumulative dietary exposure assessments in pesticide risk evaluations, especially for food products that are susceptible to contamination by multiple residues. Full article

Besides its neurotoxic action and selective toxicity on insecticidal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, recent studies have shown that imidacloprid may cause other adverse effects in mammals. In the present study, cholinesterase activity, oxidative stress response, genotoxicity in the liver and kidney, and imidacloprid levels in the urine, liver, and kidney of male Wistar rats orally administered with 0.06, 0.8, and 2.25 mg imidacloprid/kg bw/day for 28 days were evaluated. Imidacloprid urine mass concentrations in treated rats increased dose-dependently. Exposure to 0.8 mg imidacloprid/kg bw/per day significantly decreased cholinesterase activities in the liver and kidney. Reactive oxygen species levels decreased significantly in the liver at the same dose. Lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced in the liver at two higher doses. No significant changes in glutathione levels or the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were observed. A significant decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase was detected in the liver at the highest dose. DNA damage was low in both liver and kidney. Exposure to imidacloprid at studied experimental conditions did not cause a significant oxidative stress response and resulted in low genotoxic effects in the liver and kidney of rats, indicating that these organs are less susceptible to adverse imidacloprid effects at such low doses. 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

Strawberries are among the most consumed fruits in Europe, but intensive cultivation requires frequent pesticide use, raising food safety concerns. This study evaluated pesticide residues and dietary risk in strawberries from the Agro Aversano area (Southern Italy). A total of 83 samples collected in 2023–2024 were analyzed using a validated QuEChERS-LC–MS/MS method targeting 850 active substances. Thirty-one pesticides were detected, predominantly fungicides, followed by acaricides and insecticides. Cyflumetofen and pyrimethanil were the most frequent residues, while compounds with low toxicological thresholds, including emamectin benzoate, lambda-cyhalothrin, acetamiprid, and tetraconazole, were also identified. Dietary risk assessment was conducted with the EFSA PRIMo model (v.3.1), focusing on the NL toddler subgroup. Despite occasional exceedances of European Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), both acute and chronic exposures remained well below toxicological reference values (ADI and ARfD). Overall, the results indicate negligible health risks but highlight the relevance of cumulative exposure, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and sustainable pest management practices to ensure strawberry safety. Full article

Background: Essential oils, obtained from plants, are an alternative for controlling ectoparasites, particularly lice, mites and ticks, due to the problems posed by chemical insecticides, such as insect resistance, environmental impacts and concerns related to human and animal health. This study aims to investigate and compare the insecticidal activity of essential oils from Origanum floribundum and Eucalyptus citriodora against the louse Bovicola limbatus. Methods: The chemical composition of the two oils obtained by hydrodistillation was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and a flame ionisation detector (FID-MS). To determine insecticidal activity, the essential oils were tested at different concentrations (0.05–0.8 µL/mL), with mortality recorded after 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h and 4 h of exposure. Results: A corrected mortality rate of 100% was achieved for concentrations of oregano and eucalyptus essential oils of 0.8 µL/mL and 0.4 µL/mL, respectively. The LC₅₀ values were 0.11 and 0.10 µL/mL for oregano and eucalyptus, respectively, after 2 h of treatment. The LC₉₀ values observed are 0.31 and 0.24 µL/mL for oregano and eucalyptus, respectively. Conclusion: Both essential oils have similar and promising insecticidal potential and could be an alternative to chemical insecticides in a control strategy that is more respectful of human and animal health and the environment. Full article