Pesticide burden on some insects of economic importance in Lucknow (India)

Abstract

Some insects of economic importance from Lucknow (India) have been investigated for their pesticide burden. Chlorinated pesticide residues of DDT, BHC and aldrin along with their metabolites and isomers have been detected in crop pollinating insects, honeybees (Apis indica) and butterflies (Danais chrysippus and Eurema sp.) and predators, dragonfly (Platythemis sp.) and wasps (Polistes herebreus). DDT and their metabolites were present in concentrations which varied from 231-796 ng g(-1), followed by BHC (10-60 ng g(-1)), and aldrin (0.26-6.68 ng g(-1)). This finding is likely to stimulate newer interest in the area of pesticide research and start meaningful investigation to find if bioaccumulated pesticides would have adverse impact on otherwise beneficial potentials of such insects in our ecosystems.