Abstract
Herbicides can impact non-target metabolic pathways in natural enemies and lead to the reduction of these populations in the field. Behavioral characteristics, morphology and histology of reproductive structures and reproduction of females of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were evaluated under the effect of the herbicides atrazine, nicosulfuron and the mixture of both. The number of mature oocytes per ovary was lower in females exposed to the herbicides atrazine, nicosulfuron and the mixture of both. Herbicides did not affect the longevity and mortality of P. nigrispinus, therefore, they are selective for this predator. On the other hand, herbicides can cause sublethal effects by affecting the reproduction of predators.
Highlights
Weeds are for many beneficial insects, the first source of resources (Norris and Kogan 2000, Msebah and El-Husseini 2009, Camilo et al 2016)
Herbicides limit the permanence of the natural enemy in the environment (Menezes et al 2012) caused by changes in behavior and interference in female’s fitness (Torres et al 2006, Desneux et al 2007, Msebah and El-Husseini 2009, Martinou et al 2014)
The objective of this work was to evaluate the ecotoxicological effects of herbicides used in corn crop, by studying the behavioral characteristics, morphology and histology of the reproductive structures and reproduction of females of P. nigrispinus predators
Summary
Weeds are for many beneficial insects, the first source of resources (Norris and Kogan 2000, Msebah and El-Husseini 2009, Camilo et al 2016). This situation exposes these insects to herbicides by direct contact or ingestion of prey and sap of contaminated plants (Marshall et al 2003, Mahdian et al 2007, Cloyd and Bethke 2011, de Castro et al 2013). Herbicides limit the permanence of the natural enemy in the environment (Menezes et al 2012) caused by changes in behavior and interference in female’s fitness (Torres et al 2006, Desneux et al 2007, Msebah and El-Husseini 2009, Martinou et al 2014). The effects of these agrochemicals on insects tend to reduce the ability of these agents to control pests in the field (Carmo et al 2010, Menezes et al 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
