Pesticide Restrictions Research Articles

An Economic Insight into Pesticide Usage in Indian Agriculture and its Policy Implications

Among the agri-inputs, pesticide use will continue as an efficient crop protection measure. An appropriate pesticide choice, use, and disposal are crucial to moderating the hazard. The study analysed the pesticide use pattern and its effect on agri-export by highlighting the significant concerns that need attention to regulate the risk of pesticide use. The results indicated a rising trend in pesticide use, with a growth rate of 1.54 per cent per annum in the recent period. Due to the pesticide residues, European markets have the highest (12.80 per cent) export rejections. The existence of substandard and spurious pesticides, research on pesticide application behaviour and hazardous pesticide restriction is to be treated as critical in India to moderate the pesticide hazard. Keywords: Export rejections, pesticide restriction, pesticides use pattern, residual effect. JEL Codes: O13, Q12, Q18.

Integrated weed management: Tools and strategies in a world of pesticide restriction

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Feeding and Oviposition Behaviour of Trioza erytreae (Hemiptera: Triozidae) on Different Citrus Rootstock Material Available in Europe.

Simple SummaryThe Mediterranean Basin is the second largest citrus-producing region in the world. Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most important and devastating citrus disease worldwide, the causal agents of which are three bacteria species that belong to the genus Candidatus Liberibacter. The main transmission of these three bacteria is by two psyllid vectors, Diaphorina citri and Trioza erytreae. Trioza erytreae is a specific pest of plants from the Rutaceae family, which includes cultivated citrus. This insect has recently been detected in Mediterranean Basin countries, such as Spain and Portugal, but none of the causal agents of HLB have been described as infecting citrus plants in this region. The potential risk of HLB emergence has increased concern in the Spanish and Portuguese citrus industries, which require novel methods for controlling/eradicating populations of T. erytreae that are environmentally sound under new pesticide restrictions from European Union authorities. Hence, psyllid rootstock feeding preferences could play an important role in pest management. Thus, different citrus rootstocks have been tested for feeding, oviposition, and survival of T. erytreae. This study reports that the most commonly used citrus rootstocks (Carrizo citrange and Citrus macrophylla) are the favorite choices for the development of T. erytreae, and by contrast Poncirus trifoliata is the least suitable for this insect vector.Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio, 1918) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter spp., the causal agent of Huanglongbing disease (HLB). This study evaluates the preference of T. erytreae in different citrus seedlings. Thus, six different non-grafted citrus rootstocks were used for these experiments: (a) Carrizo citrange; (b) Citrus macrophylla; (c) ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin; (d) Forner-Alcaide No. 5; (e) Forner-Alcaide No. 517, and (f) Poncirus trifoliata (‘Flying Dragon’). The behaviour and survival of this psyllid was evaluated through the feeding preference of T. erytreae adults for different rootstocks (in a choice trial under greenhouse conditions) and oviposition and survival of T. erytreae adults on the different citrus material (in a no-choice trial under laboratory conditions). Trioza erytreae showed a clear preference for hosting and feeding on C. macrophylla, and Carrizo citrange was the most suitable rootstock for insect reproduction and survival followed by C. macrophylla. Conversely, Poncirus trifoliata was the least attractive rootstock to T. erytreae adults in the greenhouse trial and led to significantly lower T. erytreae survival. Our results suggest that conventional citrus rootstocks, such as Carrizo citrange and C. macrophylla, could increase T. erytreae populations.

Suppression of Microdochium patch using rotations of mineral oil, sulfur, and phosphorous acid

AbstractMicrodochium patch is a turfgrass disease caused by the fungal pathogen Microdochium nivale (Fr.) Samuels and I.C. Hallett that occurs in cool, humid conditions, which are commonplace in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and northern Europe. Pesticide restrictions in certain areas make suppressing Microdochium patch challenging, and alternative control methods are desired. Previous research has shown that mineral oil, S, and phosphorous acid (H3PO3) suppress Microdochium patch, but abiotic damage was associated with repeated mineral oil applications. Two field experiments in western Oregon focusing on the suppression of Microdochium patch and turfgrass quality on annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) greens are presented. The first experiment compared tank mixtures of mineral oil and S or mineral oil and H3PO3 in rotation with a tank mixture of S and H3PO3. The second experiment focused on seasonal rotations that excluded mineral oil in certain months and compared 2‐ and 3‐wk application frequencies. All rotations, in both experiments, suppressed Microdochium patch compared to the non‐treated control, although differences in turfgrass quality were observed. In the first experiment, green cover percentage was used to assess abiotic damage. A mineral oil and H3PO3 tank mixture rotated every 2 wk with S and H3PO3 resulted in the highest green cover percentage. In the second experiment, most of the applications made every 2 wk completely suppressed Microdochium patch. Two treatments applied every 2 wk that withheld mineral oil in the winter months resulted in turfgrass quality ratings considered acceptable for putting greens on all rating dates.

Combinations of rolling, mineral oil, sulfur, and phosphorous acid affect Microdochium patch severity

AbstractMicrodochium patch is a turfgrass disease that occurs in cool, humid regions caused by the fungal pathogen Microdochium nivale (Fr.) Samuels & Hallett [Teleomorph = Monographella nivalis (Schaffnit) E. Müll]. Fungicide applications are the predominant method of control; however, pesticide restrictions have generated concern regarding the use of traditional chemicals to manage turfgrass pests. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of the cultural practice of rolling in combination with applications of mineral oil, S, and/or phosphorous acid (H3PO3) on the suppression of Microdochium patch on an annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) putting green. A 2‐yr field trial took place from September 2013 to June 2014 and was repeated from September 2014 to June 2015 on a sand‐based annual bluegrass putting green in Corvallis, OR. Experimental design was a 2 × 4 × 2 × 2 randomized complete split‐plot design with four replications. Factors included rolling, the fertility products S and H3PO3 applied alone and in combination, mineral oil treatment, and year. Mineral oil suppressed Microdochium patch although applications led to turfgrass thinning. The combination of S and H3PO3 provided greater Microdochium patch disease suppression compared to applying either alone. Rolling also suppressed Microdochium patch in the second year of this study. Further research to determine how to best utilize these combined cultural practices to manage Microdochium patch is warranted.

The effects of iron sulfate heptahydrate water carrier volumes on Microdochium patch suppression and turfgrass quality

AbstractMicrodochium patch is a turfgrass disease caused by the fungal pathogen Microdochium nivale (Fries) Samuels & I.C. Hallett that occurs most commonly in cool‐humid regions such as the Pacific Northwest. Fungicide applications are the predominant method of controlling this disease, although alternatives to fungicides are desired in areas where pesticide restrictions occur. Previous research has shown that 97.6 kg FeSO4·7H2O ha−1 applied every 2 wk in 814 L ha−1 water carrier suppresses Microdochium patch; however, turfgrass thinning occurred. The objective of this trial was to determine if higher water carrier volumes would mitigate turfgrass thinning while still suppressing Microdochium patch. This field trial quantified the effects of four different water carrier volumes of 97.6 kg FeSO4·7H2O ha−1 applied every 2 wk on the suppression of Microdochium patch, percent green cover, and turfgrass quality of an annual bluegrass putting green in Western Oregon. This research demonstrated that 97.6 kg FeSO4·7H2O ha−1 applied every 2 wk suppressed Microdochium patch on annual bluegrass putting greens to equivalent levels regardless of water carrier volumes ranging from 1019 to 4075 L ha−1. Higher percent green cover was also observed when higher water carrier volumes (3056 or 4075 L ha−1) were used. While iron sulfate heptahydrate treatments suppressed Microdochium patch to less than one percent disease throughout the trial, no water carrier volume reduced annual bluegrass thinning enough to be considered acceptable for golf course putting greens.

The potential endocrine disruption of pesticide transformation products (TPs): The blind spot of pesticide risk assessment

The ecological and health risk assessment of environmental pesticide residues have attracted ever-growing attention; however, their transformation products (TPs) have seldom been considered. Herein, we examined the endocrine-disrupting effects of 4 widely used pesticides as pyriproxyfen (Pyr), malathion (ML), benalaxyl (BX), and fenoxaprop-ethyl (FE), together with their 21 TPs through in vitro and in silico approaches, and found approximately 50% of the TPs exhibited stronger endocrine-disrupting effects than their corresponding parent compounds. Specifically, Pyr and 9 TPs (five TPs of Pyr, one of ML, one of BX, and two of FE) exhibited estrogen-disrupting effects, which were also confirmed by results of E-screen and pS2 expression assays, and molecular docking showed that certain hydroxylated TPs could well mimic the binding mode of estrogen with ERα. Meanwhile, two TPs of Pyr, ML and its TP demonstrated weak glucocorticoid antagonistic activities partially contributed by hydrogen bonds. We also discovered that in H295R cells, all the endocrine disruptors increased hormone secretion and the related gene expression levels. Conclusively, since an increasing number of pesticide TPs have been being detected in various environmental media, a more comprehensive understanding of the ecological risk of pesticide TPs is imperative for risk assessments more extensively and regulatory policy-making on pesticide restriction in the future.

Pesticide residues in strawberry fruits cultivated under integrated pest management and conventional systems in Cundinamarca (Colombia)

Due to the high susceptibility of strawberry fruits to the attack of pests and diseases, a large amount of pesticides is applied during the crop cycle and harvest period. The inadequate use of these substances can generate residuals in agricultural products, which, through intake, pose a risk to human health. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the pesticide residues in strawberry fruits from two different production systems, distributed in the main producing areas of the Cundinamarca Department (Colombia). Eight samples of strawberry crops were collected in four producer municipalities (Guasca, Facatativa, Mosquera and Sibate), two to compare different systems (conventional production vs. production based on the Integrated Pest Management, IPM). Samples at a concentration of 394 molecules were examined by liquid and gas spectrometry. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the association between crop practices and the residual level in fruits. Twenty two different molecules were detected for the samples analyzed, with 37 detection events, of which eight were reported in IPM production systems and 29 in conventional producers. Results revealed a total of two molecules at excessive concentrations after Colombian regulations. Significant differences were found between the two production systems. This is attributable to the producers´ lack of knowledge and understanding about conventional management in Good Agricultural Practices, and the concepts of pesticide restriction period and residuality.

FOOD TRADE AND BIODIVERSITY EFFECTS

AbstractPests create biodiversity effects that increase food production risks and decrease productivity when agricultural production is specialized. Pesticides contain these effects, but damage the environment and human health. When opening to trade, governments are tempted to restrict pesticide use because, with more food being imported, less pesticide is needed for domestic consumption. However, pesticide restrictions hinder the competitiveness of their agricultural sector on international markets. We show that restrictions on pesticides are more stringent under free trade than under autarky, which reduces the gains from trade, and that trade increases food price volatility.

Rolling and Biological Control Products Affect Microdochium Patch Severity on a Sand‐Based Annual Bluegrass Putting Green

Core Ideas There is evidence that rolling an annual bluegrass putting green 5 d a wk−1 resulted in a lower severity of Microdochium patch. Two biological control products were shown to significantly lower Microdochium patch severity. Neither biological products nor rolling were shown to completely suppress Microdochium patch; therefore, turfgrass quality was not considered acceptable for any treatments. This study offers evidence of alternative disease control techniques for the management of Microdochium patch on annual bluegrass putting greens. The turfgrass disease Microdochium patch caused by the pathogen Microdochium nivale (Fries) Samuels & I.C. Hallett occurs in cool, humid regions. Fungicide applications are the predominant control method, however increasing pesticide restrictions have generated concern regarding their use. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of rolling 5 d wk−1 in combination with three biological control products applied every 2 wk on Microdochium patch severity on an annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) putting green in the absence of traditional fungicides. Biological control products included; BW136N (Trichoderma harzianum Rifai strain T‐22 + Trichoderma virens (J.H. Mill. Giddens & A.A. Foster) Arx strain G‐41), Rhapsody (Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713), and Provide (a microbial solution containing unspecified strains of Bacillus subtilis, Mucor hiemalis, and Trichoderma harzianum) + ReVive (7% humic acid derived from Leonardite). Rolling was effective at inhibiting Microdochium patch as measured by area under disease progress curves (AUDPC) in both years on rolled plots compared to not rolled plots by 47 and 75%, respectively. Applications of BW136N and Rhapsody reduced the severity of Microdochium patch as measured by AUDPC compared to the control (66 and 50% reduction, respectively). The ProVide + ReVive combination did not suppress disease in this study. At the peak of disease, turfgrass quality was greatest when rolling was combined with applications of BW136N or Rhapsody. These findings suggest that rolling as well as BW136N or Rhapsody can inhibit Microdochium patch severity and further research into this management method is warranted.

Entomological Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Viticulture in a Global Market.

Viticulture has experienced dramatic global growth in acreage and value. As the international exchange of goods has increased, so too has the market demand for sustainably produced products. Both elements redefine the entomological challenges posed to viticulture and have stimulated significant advances in arthropod pest control programs. Vineyard managers on all continents are increasingly combating invasive species, resulting in the adoption of novel insecticides, semiochemicals, and molecular tools to support sustainable viticulture. At the local level, vineyard management practices consider factors such as the surrounding natural ecosystem, risk to fish populations, and air quality. Coordinated multinational responses to pest invasion have been highly effective and have, for example, resulted in eradication of the moth Lobesia botrana from California vineyards, a pest found in 2009 and eradicated by 2016. At the global level, the shared pests and solutions for their suppression will play an increasing role in delivering internationally sensitive pest management programs that respond to invasive pests, climate change, novel vector and pathogen relationships, and pesticide restrictions.

Preventing deaths from pesticide self-poisoning-learning from Sri Lanka's success.

Preventing deaths from pesticide self-poisoning-learning from Sri Lanka's success.

Correction: Suicide prevention through means restriction: Impact of the 2008-2011 pesticide restrictions on suicide in Sri Lanka.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172893.].

Suicide prevention through means restriction: Impact of the 2008-2011 pesticide restrictions on suicide in Sri Lanka.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of 3-year phased bans of the pesticides dimethoate and fenthion in 2008–2010, and paraquat in 2009–2011, on suicide mortality in Sri Lanka.MethodsAge-standardised overall, sex-specific, and method-specific suicide rates were calculated using Sri Lankan police data (1989–2015). Using negative binomial regression models, we estimated the change in the rate and number of suicide deaths in post-ban years (2011–15) compared to those expected based on pre-ban trends (2001–10).FindingsOverall suicide mortality dropped by 21% between 2011 and 2015, from 18.3 to 14.3 per 100,000. The decline in pesticide suicides during this same period was larger than for overall suicides: from 8.5 to 4.2 per 100,000, a 50% reduction. This was accompanied by a smaller concurrent rise in non-pesticide suicide mortality with a 2% increase (9.9 to 10.1 per 100,000). In 2015, the ratio between the observed and expected pesticide suicide rates was 0.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40, 0.62), corresponding to an estimated 937 (95% CI 574, 1389) fewer pesticide suicides than expected from pre-ban suicide rates. Findings were similar in sensitivity analyses using 2008 or 2012 as commencement of the post intervention period.ConclusionBans of paraquat, dimethoate and fenthion in Sri Lanka were associated with a reduction in pesticide suicide mortality and in overall suicide mortality despite a small rise in other methods. This study provides further evidence for the effectiveness of pesticide regulation in limiting the availability of highly hazardous pesticides and thereby reducing the number of global suicides.

Teaching Future Crop Protection Practitioners through the Use of On-line Cases: Practicing IPM Spray Decisions in New Zealand Apple Orchards

Purpose: There are many complexities to be considered when selecting tactical control options in crops grown under an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) regime. Students being trained in IPM are made aware of this complexity but do not always get the chance to experience IPM decision-making first-hand. This case study describes a web-based assessment and presents student feedback as to its value.Design/Methodology/Approach: Students are required to analyse the pest and disease status of and provide pesticide recommendations for an export apple orchard at four different times of the season. At each ‘virtual visit’ they are required to interpret monitoring data and make spray decisions. The students are provided with the same IPM information and guidelines commercial growers receive. Amongst other things, management history, non-target organisms, pesticide resistance risk, allowable residues, pesticide restrictions and pesticide compatibility must be considered. Student reflections (n = 57) from three years of use were assessed using grounded theory analysis and reported.Findings: Students found they gained an appreciation of the various factors that need to be considered for tactical IPM and that the exercise helped prepare them for this task ‘in real life’.Practical Implications: The assessment described can be used as a template for an online integrated case-based training strategy which provides the opportunity for real-life decision making in a safe environment.Originality/Value: The paper is original. It is hoped this case study will serve as a source of ideas and/or inspiration from those wishing to employ similar ‘active learning’ web-based exercises for agricultural education or extension training.

Preferences of Scotch malt whisky consumers for changes in pesticide use and origin of barley

In a case study related to Scotch malt whisky production, this study analyses consumers’ perceptions and preferences regarding two aspects that have emerged in the debate on sustainable production and consumption, and on environmentally responsible food choice, namely (i) the use of pesticides in agriculture, and (ii) the provenance of food ingredients. We carried out a choice experiment to investigate preferences and estimate Willingness to Pay of Scotch malt whisky consumers for pesticide use restrictions and the potential impact on the production of one of its essential ingredients, barley. Using latent class models, we find that about half of the respondents are non-demanders with respect to both attributes, and only a third of the sample population are willing to pay for further pesticide restrictions. Demand for more environmentally responsible production of Scotch malt whisky is therefore limited, indicating that in the case of Scotch malt whisky, consumers are not likely to be key to driving sustainable production. With respect to barley provenance, being able to claim a 100% Scottish product could be a plausible commercial option for some producers to pursue in a competitive market. Methodologically, the scale-adjusted latent class model proved to be successful in uncovering preference heterogeneity and its sources, in including non-demanders in the analysis and in accounting for differences in scale amongst respondents.

Trends in solids/liquids poisoning suicide rates in Taiwan: a test of the substitution hypothesis

BackgroundSeveral previous studies have illustrated that restricting access to lethal methods can reduce suicide rates. The most often cited example was Kreitman's study, showing a reduction not only in gas-specific suicide rates, but also in the overall suicide rates because of the lack of increase of other methods. However, method substitution is still a major concern in the application of the means restriction strategy to prevent suicide. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the reduction in the solids/liquids poisoning suicide rate in 1983-1993 after the launching of pesticide restriction interventions in Taiwan was accompanied with an increase in the suicide rate using other methods (method substitution).MethodsData on age-, sex- and method-specific suicide rates for 1971-1993 in Taiwan were obtained. Changes in solids/liquids poisoning suicide rates were compared with suicide rates by hanging and other methods between 1983 and 1993.ResultsNo concomitant increase in suicide rates by hanging or other methods was noted from 1983 to 1993, during which the suicide rates by poisoning with solids/liquids (mainly pesticides) decreased markedly and steadily. The phenomenon of method substitution was also not found by sex and age groups.ConclusionIn general, no method substitution was found along with the reduction in solids/liquids suicide rates in Taiwan. Our study results have also added the evidence that restricting access to methods maybe a promising strategy in preventing suicide, particularly in those countries where the "target method" has been found to contribute greatly to the suicide rates.

Acute Human Lethal Toxicity of Agricultural Pesticides: A Prospective Cohort Study

agricultural pesticide poisoning is a major public health problem in the developing world, killing at least 250,000-370,000 people each year. Targeted pesticide restrictions in Sri Lanka over the last 20 years have reduced pesticide deaths by 50% without decreasing agricultural output. However, regulatory decisions have thus far not been based on the human toxicity of formulated agricultural pesticides but on the surrogate of rat toxicity using pure unformulated pesticides. We aimed to determine the relative human toxicity of formulated agricultural pesticides to improve the effectiveness of regulatory policy. we examined the case fatality of different agricultural pesticides in a prospective cohort of patients presenting with pesticide self-poisoning to two clinical trial centers from April 2002 to November 2008. Identification of the pesticide ingested was based on history or positive identification of the container. A single pesticide was ingested by 9,302 patients. A specific pesticide was identified in 7,461 patients; 1,841 ingested an unknown pesticide. In a subset of 808 patients, the history of ingestion was confirmed by laboratory analysis in 95% of patients. There was a large variation in case fatality between pesticides-from 0% to 42%. This marked variation in lethality was observed for compounds within the same chemical and/or WHO toxicity classification of pesticides and for those used for similar agricultural indications. the human data provided toxicity rankings for some pesticides that contrasted strongly with the WHO toxicity classification based on rat toxicity. Basing regulation on human toxicity will make pesticide poisoning less hazardous, preventing hundreds of thousands of deaths globally without compromising agricultural needs. Ongoing monitoring of patterns of use and clinical toxicity for new pesticides is needed to identify highly toxic pesticides in a timely manner.

Pesticides meet megadiversity in the expansion of biofuel crops

Global interest in biofuels is driving a continuous expansion of agroindustrial production in tropical countries, bringing a substantial share of the world's biodiversity into contact with hundreds of potentially hazardous pesticides. We reviewed the hazards imposed by all 784 pesticides currently registered for use on biofuel crops in Brazil. We detected compounds that have been suspended by international conventions, as well as over 80 compounds included in lists of priority concern for exhibiting environmental persistence and/or having the potential to elicit neurotoxic, reprotoxic, carcinogenic, or endocrine‐disrupting effects in humans and wildlife. These chemicals will be used at increased rates, or for the first time, across large expanses of agroin‐dustrially converted pastures and native (ie pristine) habitat in the cerrado (tropical savanna) and Amazonian rainforest biomes. If human and environmental health are to be balanced with productivity to achieve a sustainable agriculture, bolder initiatives on pesticide restriction and control must be implemented in tropical countries.

Trends in pesticide use and drivers for safer pest management in four African countries

Patterns in pesticide practice were studied among smallholder farmers in Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal, growing cotton, vegetables, pineapple, cowpea, and mixed cereals and legumes, for export and local markets. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine pesticide use and handling, costs and access and health, welfare and sustainability issues. Drivers encouraging pesticides as the dominant form of pest management include food staple varieties highly susceptible to insect attack; increased pest incidence; lack of advice on alternative methods; a growing informal market in ‘discount’ and often unauthorised pesticides; subsidy; and poor attention to the economics of pest control. The paper contrasts the situation of food crops for African consumers with the increasing attention to food safety and pesticide restrictions in export horticulture to Europe and the growing demand for organic cotton, and discusses challenges for implementation of IPM and safer practice.