Non-target Arthropods (NTA) Studies for Agrochemicals
Agricultural use areas and fruit plantations are the homes of many arthropods such as ladybirds, rove beetles or spiders. Prior to the approval of agrochemical products, it is important to examine whether and to what extent plant protection agents will affect non-target arthropods. Therefore, a large amount of useful ecotoxicological effects data are required to assess the effects of plant protection products on these non-target species. BOC Sciences is committed to providing a wide range of standardized laboratory studies, conducted in accordance with the recent IOBC/WPRS guidelines. Studies can be performed with leaf dwelling organisms such as parasitic wasps (Aphidius rhopalosiphi, Trichogramma cacoeciae), predatory mites (Typhlodromus pyri), aphidophagous predators (Chrysoperla carnea, Coccinella septempunctata ) and anthocorid bugs (Orius laevigatus). In addition, we offer studies with soil-dwelling organisms such as the carabid species Poecilus cupreus (adults and larvae), the staphylinid beetle Aleochara bilineata, and the lycosid spider genus Pardosa.
Figure 1. Recommendations for selecting non-target species for host specificity testing of invertebrates for biological control of arthropods. (Kuhlmann, U.; et al. 2005)
Lab tests for agrochemicals
- Determination of the effective range
- Determination of mortality and reproduction
- Determination of LR50 and ER50
Expanded lab tests for agrochemicals
(practical application of the plants, exposition of the test organisms under natural conditions)
- Determination of persistence (aged-residue tests)
- Determination of mortality and reproduction
- Determination of parasite activity or activity of predatory arthropods
Semi-open field tests for agrochemicals
(Practical application of the plants, exposure of the test organisms under natural conditions)
- Determination of persistence (aged-residue tests)
- Determination of mortality and reproduction
- Determination of parasitic performance or feeding performance
Open field tests for agrochemicals
(arable land and grassland)
- Sampling: soil cores, pitfall traps, soil photoeclectors, ecoVac - insect vacuum
- Determination of the arthropods as required by DE JONG et al. (2010)
Figure 2. The potential of transgenic chickpeas for effects on non-target arthropods. (Romeis, J.; et al. 2004)
Test organisms
- Flower bugs (Orius laevigatus)
- Green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea)
- Rove beetles (Aleochara bilineata)
- Ground beetles (Poecilus cupreus) Adult / Larvae
- Ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata)
- Fruit fly (Drosophila sp.)
- Predatory mite (Typhlodromus pyri)
- Ichneumon fly (Aphidius rhopalosiphi)
- Hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus)
- Ichneumon fly (Trichogramma cacociae)
- Silk moth (Bombyx mori)
- Spiders (Pardosa sp.)
Test plants
- Apple (Malus domestica)
- Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum)
- Bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
- Grain (Cerealis (Triticum, Hordeum, Secale, Avena))
- Maize (Zea mays)
- Sugar beets (Beta vulgaris)
- Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
- Wine (Vitis vinifera)
BOC Sciences Advantages
- Highly specialized technical and analytical services for the worldwide registration and regulatory compliance of agrochemicals
- Robust analytical testing programs that span from research and product development through the production process to final product
- Relies on broad industrial experience, ensuring that all of our work meets the high standards expected by our clients
- Our regulatory experts, toxicology consultants, scientists and inspectors will ensure that you receive maximum levels of guidance, testing and inspection you need.
References
- Kuhlmann, U.; et al. SELECTION OF NONTARGET SPECIES FOR HOST SPECIFICITY TESTING OF ENTOMOPHAGOUS BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS. International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods. 2005.
- Romeis, J.; et al. The potential of transgenic chickpeas for pest control and possible effects on non-target arthropods. Crop Protection. 2004. 23(10): 923-938.