Hazardous sub-cellular effects of Fipronil directly influence the organismal parameters of Spodoptera litura

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of insecticides/pesticides affects the structure and function of the ecosystems. The present study was aimed to investigate the toxic potential of Fipronil (a second generation phenylpyrazole) using Spodoptera litura larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) as an experimental model. Commercial grade of Fipronil, an insecticide was fed (20–80 mg/L) to the 4th instar larvae of S. litura for 12–72 h and examined different molecular, biochemical and organismal parameters. We observed a significant dose- and time-dependent changes in the biochemical parameters such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Catalase (CAT), level of 8-hydroxy 2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) [Malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalent] in the exposed larvae. We also observed that Fipronil interacts with DNA. Next, we examined the influence of sub-cellular damages at the organismal level. The alterations in the parameter such as the delayed emergence of larvae, reduced fecundity, fertility and increased rate of malformation in pupae and adults indicate the sub-organismal damages influence at the organismal level. The findings of the present study suggest that discriminatory non-scientific use of insecticide/pesticide might influence the population dynamics of insects and in large ecosystem too and needs further thorough investigations.