Non-target Effects Research Articles

Basal bark herbicide treatment of Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) is effective regardless of application timing, with limited nontarget effects on native plant diversity

Abstract Managers tasked with controlling invasive species require effective methods that are quick and easy to use without inflicting extensive nontarget damage, while also being compatible with other scheduled management responsibilities. Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) is a non‐native shrub that has invaded eastern and midwestern North American deciduous forests, altering ecosystem function and reducing biodiversity. This study explores prescribed fire and seasonal basal applications of triclopyr ester as control methods and examines the extent of nontarget damage. We used paired‐split plots to implement basal bark treatments in different seasons within burned and unburned units, and we tracked individual L. maackii to determine mortality and hyperlocal impacts of management. Basal bark treatments killed 98.4% of L. maackii across seasonal timings. Nontarget plant cover declined similarly for all herbicide application seasons, but there were some signs of recovery within 4 years, and the early‐ and late spring treatments were less affected overall. Species richness showed biologically small but statistically different declines across treatment times. Prescribed fire did not impact L. maackii mortality or interact with herbicide efficacy. Basal bark applications of triclopyr are an effective means of L. maackii control regardless of application timing, which allows managers to implement it at their convenience to avoid interfering with other management tasks that have time constraints.

The biocontrol nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita infects and increases mortality of Monadenia fidelis, a non-target terrestrial gastropod species endemic to the Pacific Northwest of North America, in laboratory conditions.

Inundative biological control (biocontrol) efforts in pest management lead to the mass distribution of commercialized biocontrol agents. Many 'biocontrol gone awry' incidents have resulted in disastrous biodiversity impacts, leading to increased scrutiny of biocontrol efforts. The nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is sold as a biocontrol agent on three continents and targets pest gastropods such as Deroceras reticulatum, the Grey Field Slug; P. hermaphrodita is not presently approved for use in the United States. Investigations into the potential for P. hermaphrodita to infect non-target gastropod species of conservation relevance, however, are limited. We examined the effects of three strains of P. hermaphrodita on mortality in Monadenia fidelis, the Pacific Sideband, a snail species endemic to the Pacific Northwest of North America, in laboratory conditions. Across a 71-day laboratory infectivity assay, snails exposed to each of the three nematode strains, each analyzed at two doses, experienced a mean 50% mortality by days 20-42. All nematode-treated snails were dead by the end of the study. By contrast, 30/30 water-control snails experienced no mortality. Nematodes killed smaller, juvenile-stage snails significantly faster than those in larger and more developmentally advanced hosts. Our results provide direct evidence that the biocontrol nematode P. hermaphrodita infects and kills M. fidelis, a non-target gastropod species endemic to the Pacific Northwest, in laboratory conditions. This study suggests that introduction of P. hermaphrodita to new ecosystems might negatively impact endemic gastropod biodiversity and advocates for further investigation of non-target effects, including in conditions closer to the natural environments of non-target species.

Nano-enabled pesticides: a comprehensive toxicity assessment of tebuconazole nanoformulations with nematodes at single species and community level

There is an increasing imperative to explore safer alternatives for pesticides due to their indiscriminate use and consequential health impacts on the environment and humans. Nanoformulations of pesticides are being developed as potential alternatives due to their beneficial properties, including enhanced solubility, targeted delivery to the site of action, improved stability and efficacy and reduced non-target effects. Nevertheless, a comprehensive assessment is necessary for these emerging nanopesticides compared to existing formulations, aiming to ascertain whether their "nano" characteristics exacerbate toxicity for non-target organisms. This study investigated the toxicity of tebuconazole (TBZ) in different formulations, including nanoformulations (poly-ε-caprolactone [PCL] and nanostructured lipid carrier [NLC] loaded with TBZ), as well as a commercial formulation, on the reproduction of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in both aqueous and soil matrices. Additionally, the impact of the correspondent nanocarriers without TBZ on C. elegans was examined. In water, TBZ in the form of nano and commercial formulations exhibited higher toxicity on the nematodes' reproduction than the TBZ (a.s.) attributable to higher freely dissolved concentrations of TBZ, which resulted in a toxicity order, ranging from the most to the least toxic as follows: NLC-TBZ > PCL-TBZ > commercial formulation > TBZ (a.s.). For NLC-TBZ, the excess toxicity could be clearly explained by combined toxicity of TBZ (a.s.) and nanocarriers, with the effect addition of the separate single compounds matching the observed effects of the nanoformulation. For PCL-TBZ, effects were stronger than expected from the effect addition of TBZ (a.s.) and PCL nanocarriers, potentially due to enhanced bioavailability of encapsulated TBZ in the gut of the nematodes. In soil, NLC with and without loaded TBZ showed higher toxicity than other tested compounds, while PCL nanocarriers without TBZ did not exhibit negative effects on the reproduction of C. elegans. Microcosm experiment, where long-term effects on native soil nematode fauna were tested, confirmed that TBZ-nanoformulations act via combined toxic effects of TBZ and nanocarriers. These findings contribute valuable insights to understanding nanopesticides' ecotoxicity and underscore the need for harmonized regulatory assessments to evaluate these novel formulations adequately.

Non-target impacts of hail netting and insecticides on natural enemy abundance and diversity in a Midwestern U.S. commercial apple orchard

A variety of exclusion systems for integrated pest management (IPM) have become viable alternatives to traditional insecticide use in tree fruit production globally. Exclusion netting has been particularly effective as a control strategy for several insect pests of apple. In Minnesota, USA, hail netting, used to protect high-value fruit from hail damage, was recently shown to effectively exclude the two major insect pests: codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.) and apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh). The present study aimed to determine the impact of single-row, drape-style hail netting (DrapeNet®) on the natural enemy community and how this compared to the impact of insecticides used by a Minnesota grower. Sampling occurred during 2021 and 2022 at two orchard locations in Minnesota using yellow sticky traps. Natural enemies were identified to the family level, and these data were examined to determine family richness, diversity, and relative abundance. Compared to unnetted rows, rows covered with hail netting had a significant reduction in both family richness and predator abundance, as measured by yellow sticky traps. The overall abundance of the three most common predator families, Anthocoridae, Empididae, and Coccinellidae, along with other families, was significantly reduced under netting. By contrast, using Simpson's diversity index we found that family diversity was significantly higher under netting, while the insecticides used did not affect diversity. These findings indicate that non-target effects of netting include a general reduction in the abundance of natural enemies and the disproportionate exclusion of Anthocoridae. However, predator diversity was higher under netting, indicating that biological control services could remain intact under netting even with modest use of insecticides.

Biotic interactions in soil and dung shape parasite transmission in temperate ruminant systems: An integrative framework.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites undergo part of their life cycle outside their host, such that developmental stages interact with the soil and dung fauna. These interactions are capable of affecting parasite transmission on pastures yet are generally ignored in current models, empirical studies and practical management. Dominant methods of parasite control, which rely on anthelmintic medications for livestock, are becoming increasingly ineffective due to the emergence of drug-resistant parasite populations. Furthermore, consumer and regulatory pressure on decreased chemical use in agriculture and the consequential disruption of biological processes in the dung through nontarget effects exacerbates issues with anthelmintic reliance. This presents a need for the application and enhancement of nature-based solutions and biocontrol methods. However, successfully harnessing these options relies on advanced understanding of the ecological system and interacting effects among biotic factors and with immature parasite stages. Here, we develop a framework linking three key groups of dung and soil fauna-fungi, earthworms, and dung beetles-with each other and developmental stages of helminths parasitic in farmed cattle, sheep, and goats in temperate grazing systems. We populate this framework from existing published studies and highlight the interplay between faunal groups and documented ecological outcomes. Of 1756 papers addressing abiotic drivers of populations of these organisms and helminth parasites, only 112 considered interactions between taxa and 36 presented data on interactions between more than two taxonomic groups. Results suggest that fungi reduce parasite abundance and earthworms may enhance fungal communities, while competition between dung taxa may reduce their individual effect on parasite transmission. Dung beetles were found to impact fungal populations and parasite transmission variably, possibly tied to the prevailing climate within a specific ecological context. By exploring combinations of biotic factors, we consider how interactions between species may be fundamental to the ecological consequences of biocontrol strategies and nontarget impacts of anthelmintics on dung and soil fauna and how pasture management alterations to promote invertebrates might help limit parasite transmission. With further development and parameterization the framework could be applied quantitatively to guide, prioritize, and interpret hypothesis-driven experiments and integrate biotic factors into established models of parasite transmission dynamics.

Fall or spring aminopyralid applications control Taeniatherum caput-medusae

AbstractMedusahead [Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski] is an invasive winter annual grass of western North American grasslands and rangelands that negatively impacts forage production, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem processes. Growth regulator herbicides, such as aminopyralid, applied in spring reduced invasive annual grass seed viability in greenhouse and California annual grassland experiments. Beginning in fall 2017, we tested combinations of sequential fall (preemergence) and spring (postemergence) aminopyralid applications at low (103 g ae ha−1) and high (206 g ae ha−1) rates at two ecologically distinct sites in the Intermountain West. Preemergence and postemergence aminopyralid applications at low and high rates controlled T. caput-medusae by 76% to 100% the second summer after study initiation. At the Utah site (which is warmer, drier, and more degraded than the Idaho site), the high rate resulted in better control. The first summer, postemergence aminopyralid applications at low and high rates reduced seed viability 47% to 91% compared with nontreated seeds, with the greatest reductions seen in Utah, which was experiencing drought. Across study sites, reduced T. caput-medusae germination in one year was linked to improved control the following year. The Idaho site also had desirable perennial grasses, which we used to investigate non-target effects. In general, there was a correlation between high T. caput-medusae control and higher perennial grass cover, indicating that successful control can make desirable perennial grasses more vigorous in this system. The option of a spring aminopyralid application increases the management window for controlling invasive annual grasses by decreasing seed viability, thereby depleting short-lived seedbanks.

Evaluation of mosquitocidal, histopathological and non-target effect of botanical pesticides from Stemodia viscosa and their mixtures against immature stages of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus

Evaluation of mosquitocidal, histopathological and non-target effect of botanical pesticides from Stemodia viscosa and their mixtures against immature stages of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus

Insight into the host-specificity of a native and a newly introduced parasitoid of Tuta absoluta and prospect for biological control

New strategies are urgently needed to control Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), one of the most destructive pests of tomato crops. Originating from South America, it is spreading rapidly and has evolved resistance to most common insecticides making it highly challenging to control. Regarding biological control, the parasitoid Necremnus tutae Ribes & Bernardo (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is widely present around the Mediterranean basin and has adapted to the invader playing a substantial role in its control. In addition, the neotropical parasitoid Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris Marsh (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has established accidentally following its host in Spain and Algeria and a classical biological control program using this species is ongoing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the trophic connections between D.gelechiidivoris, N.tutae, the targeted host T.absoluta and potential non-target hosts is essential to assess their value as augmentative or classical biological control agents and to promote their establishment in conservation biocontrol. We conducted host-specificity tests in the laboratory using four European leafminer species to evaluate the specificity of these two parasitoids to T.absoluta. We then assessed their affinity for T.absoluta by exposing sentinel plants with the alternative host Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) inside and around greenhouses and measuring each parasitoid species' field parasitism rate. Our results show that of the four non-target species tested in the laboratory, N.tutae attacked three, while D.gelechiidivoris attacked only P. operculella. In the greenhouse, N.tutae did not prefer P.operculella or T.absoluta, whereas D.gelechiidivoris preferred the latter. The mean parasitism rate of T.absoluta over the three-month monitoring period in the greenhouses reached 27% for N.tutae and 35% for D.gelechiidivoris. We discuss the importance of host affinity for understanding potential non-target effects and the value a natural enemy can have as biological control.

Emulsifiable oil-formulated Beauveria bassiana competes with imidacloprid for seasonal control of cereal aphids in Zhejiang, China.

Alternatives to neonicotinoids against cereal aphids are needed to mitigate aphid resistance and non-target effects. The emulsifiable oil formulations of two Beauveria bassiana strains, namely Bb registered as a mycoinsecticide and TBb overexpressing an endogenous virulence factor, were tested for seasonal control of cereal aphids at the elongating (April 7) to milk ripening (May 12) stages of winter wheat crop in Yuhang, Zhejiang. Each of three field trials consisted of blank control and the treatments (three randomized 100-m2 plots per capita) of each fungal strain sprayed biweekly at rates of 1.0 × 1013 and 1.5 × 1013 conidia ha-1 and 10% imidacloprid WP sprayed biweekly at a label rate. Tiller infestation percentage and aphid density in the 5-week field trials after the first spray were reduced to 18.7-22.4% and 9.1-12.4 aphids per tiller in the fungal treatments, and 12.8-25.3% and 2.8-20.9 aphids per tiller in the chemical treatment, contrasting with 49.2-60.3% and 37.1-108.5 aphids per tiller in the control. Percent control efficacies (±SD) computed with weekly aphid densities over the period averaged 84.0 ± 1.6 and 85.3 ± 1.8 versus 78.0 ± 4.0 and 79.9 ± 3.2 in the high-rate versus low-rate treatments of Bb and TBb, respectively, and 84.5 ± 7.8 in the chemical treatment. Imidacloprid showed faster kill action but more variable efficacy than the fungal treatments throughout the trials. Either Bb or TBb formulation competes with imidacloprid in reducing percent infestation and aphid density. The overall efficacy was significantly higher in the treatments of TBb than of Bb. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Environmental DNA for assessing impact and recovery of aquatic communities in an invaded mountain lake

Beaulieu J, Yates MC, Astorg L, Trépanier-Leroux D, Jeon H, Rudko SP, Humphries S, Fraser DJ, Cristescu ME, Derry AM. 2024. Environmental DNA for assessing impact and recovery of aquatic communities in an invaded mountain lake. Lake Reserv Manage. 40:111–131. The eradication of invasive species and associated side effects that influence the reestablishment of biological communities is a major challenge for conservation management of invaded ecosystems. We present a before-and-after-disturbance whole lake manipulation study from a high-elevation mountain lake in which we applied a 2-pronged approach to environmental DNA (eDNA) for assessing (1) impact and recovery of aquatic communities to the chemical eradication of invasive brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and (2) the success of chemical eradication of the invasive fish. Using 18S and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) eDNA metabarcoding, we contribute to a paucity of literature that has comprehensively addressed nontarget effects of rotenone for invasive fish eradication on aquatic communities. We found that key trophic groups (phytoplankton, fungi, zooplankton, and macroinvertebrates) changed in community composition in response to rotenone applications. Fungi and macroinvertebrates, but not zooplankton and phytoplankton, reverted back toward pre-rotenone communities over the time scale of 2 yr. However, COI failed to detect several key species for food web reestablishment that were detected using physical specimen collection, likely due to low primer efficiency. We also found that quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), using species-specific primers, was effective for detecting brook trout presence/absence, although strong eDNA signals likely produced from carcasses in the ecosystem limited the utility of eDNA immediately following rotenone treatment. We provide specific recommendations for lake managers for the future application of eDNA approaches to monitor invasive fish eradication efforts and nontarget community effects for lake ecosystem restoration.

Defense Responses of Different Rice Varieties Affect Growth Performance and Food Utilization of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Larvae

Rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée), is one of the most serious pests on rice. At present, chemical control is the main method for controlling this pest. However, the indiscriminate use of chemical insecticides has non-target effects and may cause environmental pollution. Besides, leaf curling behavior by C. medinalis may indirectly reduce the efficacy of chemical spray. Therefore, it is crucial to cultivate efficient rice varieties resistant to this pest. Previous studies have found that three different rice varieties, Zhongzao39 (ZZ39), Xiushui134 (XS134), and Yongyou1540 (YY1540), had varying degrees of infestation by C. medinalis. However, it is currently unclear whether the reason for this difference is related to the difference in defense ability of the three rice varieties against the infestation of C. medinalis. To explore this issue, the current study investigated the effects of three rice varieties on the growth performance and food utilization capability of the 4th instar C. medinalis. Further, it elucidated the differences in defense responses among different rice varieties based on the differences in leaf physiological and biochemical indicators and their impact on population occurrence. The results showed that the larval survival rate was the lowest, and the development period was significantly prolonged after feeding on YY1540. This was not related to the differences in leaf wax, pigments, and nutritional components among the three rice varieties nor to the feeding preferences of the larvae. The rate of superoxide anion production, hydrogen peroxide content, and the activity of three protective enzymes were negatively correlated with larval survival rate, and they all showed the highest in YY1540 leaves. Compared to other tested varieties, although the larvae feeding on YY1540 had higher conversion efficiency of ingested food and lower relative consumption rate, their relative growth was faster, indicating stronger food utilization capability. However, they had a lower accumulation of protein. This suggests that different rice varieties had different levels of oxidative stress after infestation by C. medinalis. The defense response of YY1540 was more intense, which was not conducive to the development of the larvae population. These results will provide new insights into the interaction mechanism between different rice varieties and C. medinalis and provide a theoretical basis for cultivating rice varieties resistant to this pest.

Biorational Fungicides to Manage Cucurbit Powdery Mildew on Winter Squash in New York

Cucurbit powdery mildew (CPM) is one of the most common foliar diseases of winter squash grown in New York. Conventional fungicides remain the primary method for managing CPM. However, increasing consumer demand for organic produce and concerns about both environmental safety and fungicide resistance development have driven research to identify alternative management strategies. Biorational fungicides, including biologicals, botanicals, and minerals, are increasingly available for certified organic production but are generally considered less effective at managing CPM than conventional products. Copper-containing pesticides approved for use in organic production are effective, but concerns about nontarget effects are driving exploration of alternative biorational solutions for CPM. Further research is warranted to validate and expand management strategies for organic cucurbit production. In this study, we evaluated 9 and 10 biorational fungicides to reduce CPM on winter squash in field trials in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The treatment that consistently and most effectively reduced disease severity was Kocide 3000-O (copper hydroxide) followed by Theia ( Bacillus subtilis) and Regalia plus Stargus ( Reynoutria sachalinensis plus B. amyloliquefaciens). The developmental product Curezin (copper zinc) and the adjuvant Dyne-Amic (alkylphenol ethoxylate) also significantly reduced disease compared with the untreated control in 2022. No differences in yield were observed in either year. We conclude that copper-based biorational fungicides most effectively managed CPM compared with other biological and botanical products evaluated, followed by Theia and Regalia plus Stargus. Knowledge gained from this study can inform current CPM management practices and the development of future tools for IPM strategies.

How non-target chironomid communities respond to mosquito control: Integrating DNA metabarcoding and joint species distribution modelling

The conservation and management of riparian ecosystems rely on understanding the ecological consequences of anthropogenic stressors that impact natural communities. In this context, studies investigating the effects of anthropogenic stressors require reliable methods capable of mapping the relationships between taxa occurrence or abundance and environmental predictors within a spatio-temporal framework. Here, we present an integrative approach using DNA metabarcoding and Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC) to unravel the intricate dynamics and resilience of chironomid communities exposed to Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti). Chironomid emergence was sampled from a total of 12 floodplain pond mesocosms, half of which received Bti treatment, during a 16-week period spanning spring and summer of 2020. Subsequently, we determined the community compositions of chironomids and examined their genus-specific responses to the Bti treatment, considering their phylogenetic affiliations and ecological traits of the larvae. Additionally, we investigated the impact of the Bti treatment on the body size distribution of emerging chironomids. Our study revealed consistent responses to Bti among different chironomid genera, indicating that neither phylogenetic affiliations nor larval feeding strategies significantly contributed to the observed patterns. Both taxonomic and genetic diversity were positively correlated with the number of emerged individuals. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated Bti-related effects on chironomid body size distribution, which could have relevant implications for size-selective terrestrial predators. Hence, our study highlights the value of employing a combination of DNA metabarcoding and HMSC to unravel the complex dynamics of Bti-related non-target effects on chironomid communities. The insights gained from this integrated framework contribute to our understanding of the ecological consequences of anthropogenic stressors and provide a foundation for informed decision-making regarding the conservation and management of riparian ecosystems.

Changes in mosquito species and blood meal composition associated with adulticide applications

Although adulticide application is a pillar in the integrated management of nuisance and vector mosquitoes, non-target effects of adulticide applications within ecosystems are a substantial concern. However, the impacts of adulticide applications on non-target organisms are not necessarily detrimental, and in some cases, may provide benefits to certain organisms or wildlife. Here, we hypothesized that adulticide applications have beneficial non-target impacts on vertebrate wildlife through reduced biting pressure. To test this, we collected mosquitoes from ultra-low volume Permanone-treated (intervention) and untreated (reference) areas and assessed mosquito abundance and diversity, and abundance of blood-engorged female mosquitoes. We performed DNA barcoding analysis on mosquito blood meals to identify host species. Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in mosquito abundance by 58.9% in the intervention areas, taking into account the reduction in reference areas. Consequently, this decline led to a 64.5% reduction in the abundance of blood-engorged females. We also found a temporal dynamic of mosquito composition driven by mosquito control actions in which different mosquito species became dominant at treated sites while composition at reference areas remained similar during the same period. The present study suggests that the beneficial effects of mosquito control treatments for humans extend to other vertebrates, which represents an unstudied and rarely recognized non-target impact.

Efeitos não-alvo de inseticidas utilizados para controle de Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) biótipo B (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) sobre a mortalidade e biologia de Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em soja [Glycine max (l.) Merrill

Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous pest that has gained importance in soybean cultivation in recent years, due to the damage it causes to leaves and pods. The objective of this work was to evaluate the non-target effect of insecticides recommended and used to control Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) biotype B on S. frugiperda. The experimental design was entirely randomized with five treatments and fifty replications. The treatments were: 1. negative control (distilled water), 2. positive control (lufenuron), 3. buprofezin, 4. pyriproxyfen, and 5. diafenthiuron. In each replicate, one caterpillar was placed in a plastic cup, where sprayed soybean leaves with the maximum dosage of insecticides recommended for B. tabaci were placed.The treatments were evaluated daily during all stages: larval, pupal, and adult emergence and fecundity. The results obtained for larval mortality showed that diafenthiuron aimed 100% control, followed by pyriproxyfen with 28% and buprofezin with 12%. The duration of the larval period of the insects exposed to pyriproxyfen and buprofezin were longer compared to the control. While the biological parameters of pupae were found that pyriproxyfen caused lower pupal formation rate and higher pupal mortality, followed by buprofezin. In adult emergence, pyriproxyfen showed the lowest rate with 13.8% and the highest percentage of deformed adults with 60%. Thus, it was possible to conclude that the insecticides under study cause S. frugiperda mortality or effects on its biological patterns.

Field-realistic exposure to neonicotinoid and sulfoximine insecticides impairs visual and olfactory learning and memory in Polistes paper wasps.

Exposure to insecticides may contribute to global insect declines due to sublethal insecticide effects on non-target species. Thus far, much research on non-target insecticide effects has focused on neonicotinoids in a few bee species. Much less is known about effects on other insect taxa or newer insecticides, such as sulfoxaflor. Here, we studied the effects of an acute insecticide exposure on both olfactory and visual learning in free-moving Polistes fuscatus paper wasps. Wasps were exposed to a single, field-realistic oral dose of low-dose imidacloprid, high-dose imidacloprid or sulfoxaflor. Then, visual and olfactory learning and short-term memory were assessed. We found that acute insecticide exposure influenced performance, as sulfoxaflor- and high-dose imidacloprid-exposed wasps made fewer correct choices than control wasps. Notably, both visual and olfactory performance were similarly impaired. Wasps treated with high-dose imidacloprid were also less likely to complete the learning assay than wasps from the other treatment groups. Instead, wasps remained stationary and unmoving in the testing area, consistent with imidacloprid interfering with motor control. Finally, wasps treated with sulfoxaflor were more likely to die in the week after treatment than wasps in the other treatment groups. Our findings demonstrate that sublethal, field-realistic dosages of both neonicotinoid- and sulfoximine-based insecticides impair wasp learning and short-term memory, which may have additional effects on survival and motor functioning. Insecticides have broadly detrimental effects on diverse non-target insects that may influence foraging effectiveness, pollination services and ecosystem function.

Opinion: Hybrid nanoparticle systems – Two-way delivery approach for agriculture

Nanometric carriers have great potential for promoting agrochemical target delivery and dose reduction while transforming agriculture into a more sustainable environment. Many nanoplatforms, such as metal, polymeric, clay, and carbon-based, are developed differently. However, new possibilities of a mixture between nanomaterials are explored by scientists called hybrid nanoparticles. The information about these nanosystems was focused on development and characterization, target and non-target effects, and uptake of nanoparticles applied to reach root or foliar pathways in plants. In this scenario, a lack of application possibilities exists and can be explored more in the future. Hybrid nanoparticles can be developed as smart carrier to deliver nanoparticles and agrochemicals in a two-way approach for uptake by root and foliar routes simultaneously in plants. The advance of nanocarrier strategies depends on the design of nanoparticles considering nanomaterial and agrochemical characteristics and target plants. The main gaps and recent reports are discussed here. Furthermore, platforms have been suggested to enable two-way delivery for agricultural applications in more sustainable farming systems.

Current research trends of nanomedicines

Owing to the inherent shortcomings of traditional therapeutic drugs in terms of inadequate therapeutic efficacy and toxicity in clinical treatment, nanomedicine designs have received widespread attention with significantly improved efficacy and reduced non-target side effects. Nanomedicines hold tremendous theranostic potential for treating, monitoring, diagnosing, and controlling various diseases and are attracting an unfathomable amount of input of research resources. Against the backdrop of an exponentially growing number of publications, it is imperative to help the audience get a panorama image of the research activities in the field of nanomedicines. Herein, this review elaborates on the development trends of nanomedicines, emerging nanocarriers, in vivo fate and safety of nanomedicines, and their extensive applications. Moreover, the potential challenges and the obstacles hindering the clinical translation of nanomedicines are also discussed. The elaboration on various aspects of the research trends of nanomedicines may help enlighten the readers and set the route for future endeavors.

Living on the edge: Predicting songbird response to management and environmental changes across an ecotone.

Effective wildlife management requires robust information regarding population status, habitat requirements, and likely responses to changing resource conditions. Single-species management may inadequately conserve communities and result in undesired effects to non-target species. Thus, management can benefit from understanding habitat relationships for multiple species. Pinyon pine and juniper (Pinus spp. and Juniperus spp.) are expanding into sagebrush-dominated (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems within North America and mechanical removal of these trees is frequently conducted to restore sagebrush ecosystems and recover Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). However, pinyon-juniper removal effects on non-target species are poorly understood, and changing pinyon-juniper woodland dynamics, climate, and anthropogenic development may obscure conservation priorities. To better predict responses to changing resource conditions, evaluate non-target effects of pinyon-juniper removal, prioritize species for conservation, and inform species recovery within pinyon-juniper and sagebrush ecosystems, we modeled population trends and density-habitat relationships for four sagebrush-associated, four pinyon-juniper-associated, and three generalist songbird species with respect to these ecosystems. We fit hierarchical population models to point count data collected throughout the western United States from 2008 to 2020. We found regional population changes for 10 of 11 species investigated; 6 of which increased in the highest elevation region of our study. Our models indicate pinyon-juniper removal will benefit Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri), Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus), and Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) densities. Conversely, we predict largest negative effects of pinyon-juniper removal for species occupying early successional pinyon-juniper woodlands: Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii), Black-throated Gray Warblers (Setophaga nigrescens), Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii), and Juniper Titmouse (Baeolophus ridgwayi). Our results highlight the importance of considering effects to non-target species before implementing large-scale habitat manipulations. Our modeling framework can help prioritize species and regions for conservation action, infer effects of management interventions and a changing environment on wildlife, and help land managers balance habitat requirements across ecosystems.

Evaluation of fluopyram for disease and root knot nematode control along with yield response on peanut

Efficacy of in-furrow application of fluopyram + imidacloprid alone or followed by fluopyram + prothioconazole at-pegging and aldicarb for managing peanut root-knot nematode populations, root and pod galling due to nematodes, and yield, along with non-target effects on leaf spot diseases and stem rot were compared on the root-knot susceptible cultivar Georgia-06G over seven years on an irrigated site with an established population of Meloidogyne arenaria race 1. In all years, fungicides were applied to all plots following a Peanut Rx application schedule. Root-knot nematode populations, nematode damage, and yield along with leaf spot severity and stem rot incidence significantly differed among years; except for nematode populations, these measured variables also differed by nematicide treatment. Averaged over years, galling and root damage was significantly reduced with aldicarb compared to the no-nematicide control but not with either of the fluopyram treatments. While similar late-season root-knot nematode populations were noted for all nematicide programs and the non-treated control, pooled over years, significant yield gains were obtained with aldicarb and fluopyram programs with the two-treatment program providing greater yields than the aldicarb treatment. Leaf spot severity, averaged over years, was similar in aldicarb and control treatments; however, both fluopyram treatments had significantly lower leaf spot severity than the aldicarb treatment. Stem rot incidence did not differ among nematicide treatments. In addition, pooled over years, there was a negative relationship between juvenile populations and yield, but this was relatively weak. Weather, particularly extreme rain conditions, impacted yield directly as well as indirectly by affecting leaf spot severity and nematode activity.