INSECTICIDAL EXPOSURES MODULATES THE BENEFICIAL INSECT'S BIODIVERSITY IN AGROECOSYSTEM

Abstract

Beneficial insects have inevitable contributions for pollination and natural pest control in agriculture. But farmers are struggling to boost up the crop production with chemical application in controlling insect pests enormously without knowing the ultimate consequences. Asia covers 59% of the world’s total insecticide usage. Insecticidal exposures share different modes of action with parasitoids and predators. They affect the survival of insects, reduce the capacity of reproduction, change insect behavior, alter the host’s availability for parasitism or predation, and sometimes cause direct death. Among the different pesticides, clothianidin and pyridaben recorded in decreasing 86.44% and 83.54% of the honeybee population (86.44 and 83.54%) indicating their toxicity to the bee pollinators reduction. Dimethoate causes the total mortality of aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi. while Azadirachtin showed 40.43% emergence rate at the dose of LC25 for both the male and female insects, and pyrethrum insecticides have sublethal effects on the lifespan of Chelonus oculator. The nicotinoids, pyrethroid, and organophosphorus groups have a residual impact on the nectar and pollen biology. Residues of imidacloprid @ 19.7μg/kg found in pollen and 6.0μg/kg in honey those potentially affecting on the bee activity. Moreover, sulfoxaflor exposure has extensive sub-lethal effects on wasps, especially available as beneficial insect in the crop fields. This study findings revealed the necessities for future research on the harmful effects of synthetic and natural insecticides on the beneficial insects. Furthermore, it has been suggested that Integrated pest management (IPM) that involves sustainable ecosystem-based pest management techniques Might be an effective and efficient alternative of the insecticides for conserving the beneficial insects in the agroecosystem for the betterment of our future generations.