Pyrethroids Bifenthrin Research Articles

Neonicotinoid Residues on Filter Paper Lack Insecticidal Activity.

Neonicotinoid insecticides are used against agricultural, forest, and urban insect pests. Evaluation of dry neonicotinoid residues on treated filter paper is a commonly used method to determine the toxicity of active ingredients towards target and non-target organisms. Dry residues of four neonicotinoids, acetamiprid, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, on filter paper did not cause significant levels of mortality in Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Méneville) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) when compared to paired untreated groups. Conversely, nearly 100% mortality was observed when test insects were exposed to dry neonicotinoid residues on leaf discs and glass plate surfaces. On the other hand, dry residues of the pyrethroid bifenthrin on filter paper, leaf disks, and glass plates killed significantly more test insects when compared to untreated groups. Additional bioassays tested the toxicity of acetamiprid and thiamethoxam by evaluating the toxicity of dry residues on (1) the upper and (2) lower surfaces of treated filter paper, (3) on a glass plate underneath treated filter paper, (4) on the upper surface of treated filter paper treated with insecticide and adjuvant, and (5) dried residues on a glass plate after dipping treated filter paper in water and letting the solvent dry on the inert test surface. The results indicated that neonicotinoid insecticides applied to filter paper were adsorbed. Toxic compounds possibly move in between and binding to paper fibers so that no toxic residues were left on treated surfaces. However, adsorbed insecticides were still biologically active when washed out of filter paper and dried on an inert glass surface. The results reported here clearly demonstrate that the toxicity of neonicotinoid insecticides should not be evaluated using filter paper as a test surface.

Bifenthrin Caused Parkinson's-Like Symptoms Via Mitochondrial Autophagy and Ferroptosis Pathway Stereoselectively in Parkin-/- Mice and C57BL/6 Mice.

It has been proposed that pyrethroid exposure contributes to the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the potential mechanisms remain unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of the widely used pyrethroid bifenthrin on Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. Bifenthrin (1S-cis-bifenthrin, 1R-cis-bifenthrin, raceme) was administered to male Parkin-/- mice and C57BL/6 mice by oral gavage at a dose of 10mg/kg bw/day for 28days. Bifenthrin exposure significantly increased the time of pole climbing and decreased the period of rotarod running, indicating that bifenthrin decreased motor coordination in Parkin-/- mice, which was more evident by 1S-cis-bifenthrin. Furthermore, administration of bifenthrin induced obvious decreases in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)+ cell count and the protein expression of TH. Increased protein of mitochondrial autophagy LC3B and p62 was observed after exposure to bifenthrin. Increased iron deposition and protein expression of iron transport transferrin (Tf) and transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2) was detected. 1S-cis-bifenthrin bound with Tf, TfR2, and GPX4 with lower binding energies than 1R-cis-bifenthrin, resulting in stronger interactions with these proteins. These results show structure-dependent PD-like effects of bifenthrin on motor activity and coordination associated with the disturbed mitochondrial autophagy and ferroptosis-related pathway. These data demonstrate that pyrethroid exposure increases the potential of Parkinson's-like symptoms via the ferroptosis pathway in Parkin-/- mice that is more pronounced than in C57BL/6 mice, providing a prospective enantioselective toxic effect of environmental neurotoxins on PD risk.

Kaolin as a management alternative for insecticide-resistant navel orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

The production of almonds and pistachios in California's Central Valley employs insecticides for the management of their primary pest, navel orangeworm. The pyrethroid Bifenthrin is commonly used, and now a strain of Amyelois transitella Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) (R347) obtained from Kern County almond orchards with a history of Bifenthrin use has acquired >110-fold resistance toward pyrethroids. One method to improve control is to use additives and spray adjuvants, which are applied simultaneously with an insecticide to increase coverage and/or duration of control. We tested 2 levels of the naturally occurring clay Kaolin as an additive, alone and in combination with either Bifenthrin or the diamide Chlorantraniliprole, to determine if it could reduce feeding damage and decrease survival of pyrethroid-resistant A. transitella on almonds in the laboratory and improve the efficacy of Chlorantraniliprole in the field. Larval performance was measured for the strains R347 and ALM (34.7-fold resistance compared to susceptible lab strain) reared on treated almonds. Strain R347 had 1.9-fold greater survival and caused 1.3-fold more feeding damage than strain ALM across all treatments, although both strains were susceptible to the combination of Kaolin + insecticide. Kaolin synergized Bifenthrin for R347, decreasing survival by 10.0%. Kaolin did not reduce feeding damage for either strain. When combined with insecticide, feeding damage was similar to insecticide alone, but the addition of Kaolin to the insecticide generally decreased survival more than the insecticide alone. In the field, the addition of Kaolin to Chlorantraniprole during application helped retain activity against this challenging pest.

Biodegradation of the Pesticides Bifenthrin and Fipronil by Bacillus Isolated from Orange Leaves.

The pyrethroid bifenthrin and the phenylpyrazole fipronil are widely employed insecticides, and their extensive use became an environmental issue. Therefore, this study evaluated their biodegradation employing bacterial strains of Bacillus species isolated from leaves of orange trees, aiming at new biocatalysts with high efficiency for use singly and in consortium. Experiments were performed in liquid culture medium at controlled temperature and stirring (32°C, 130rpm). After 5days, residual quantificationby HPLC-UV/Vis showed that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RFD1C presented 93% biodegradation of fipronil (10.0mg.L-1 initial concentration) and UPLC-HRMS analyses identified the metabolite fipronil sulfone. Moreover, Bacillus pseudomycoides 3RF2C showed a biodegradation of 88% bifenthrin (30.0mg.L-1 initial concentration). A consortium composed of the 8 isolated strains biodegraded 81% fipronil and 51% bifenthrin, showing that this approach did not promote better results than the most efficient strains employed singly, although high rates of biodegradation were observed. In conclusion, bacteria of the Bacillus genus isolated from leaves of citrus biodegraded these pesticides widely applied to crops, showing the importance of the plant microbiome for degradation of toxic xenobiotics.

High-Resolution Genetic Mapping Combined with Transcriptome Profiling Reveals That Both Target-Site Resistance and Increased Detoxification Confer Resistance to the Pyrethroid Bifenthrin in the Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae.

Pyrethroids are widely applied insecticides in agriculture, but their frequent use has provoked many cases of resistance, in which mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC), the pyrethroid target-site, were shown to play a major role. However, for the spider mite Tetranychus urticae, it has also been shown that increased detoxification contributes to resistance against the pyrethroid bifenthrin. Here, we performed QTL-mapping to identify the genomic loci underlying bifenthrin resistance in T. urticae. Two loci on chromosome 1 were identified, with the VGSC gene being located near the second QTL and harboring the well-known L1024V mutation. In addition, the presence of an L925M mutation in the VGSC of a highly bifenthrin-resistant strain and its loss in its derived, susceptible, inbred line indicated the importance of target-site mutations in bifenthrin resistance. Further, RNAseq experiments revealed that genes encoding detoxification enzymes, including carboxyl/choline esterases (CCEs), cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and UDP-glycosyl transferases (UGTs), were overexpressed in resistant strains. Toxicity bioassays with bifenthrin (ester pyrethroid) and etofenprox (non-ester pyrethroid) also indicated a possible role for CCEs in bifenthrin resistance. A selection of CCEs and UGTs were therefore functionally expressed, and CCEinc18 was shown to metabolize bifenthrin, while teturUGT10 could glycosylate bifenthrin-alcohol. To conclude, our findings suggest that both target-site and metabolic mechanisms underlie bifenthrin resistance in T. urticae, and these might synergize high levels of resistance.

Field applications of granular and liquid pyrethroids, carbaryl, and IGRs to control the asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) and impacts on nontarget invertebrates

Few documented control strategies exist for the invasive tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, despite its potential to reach extremely high numbers and vector human and animal pathogens. In 2020, we evaluated the effects of single applications of five granular and liquid acaricides on H. longicornis in a public park in northern New Jersey. Acaricides tested included pyrethroids (lambda-cyhalothrin, bifenthrin), a carbamate (carbaryl), and the insect growth regulators (IGRs) pyriproxyfen and novaluron. We also monitored the impact of each treatment on non-target soil and above-ground invertebrate species using pitfall and sticky traps, respectively. We recorded over 70,000 H. longicornis ticks in the study area from July to October 2020. An average of 99% control was achieved with lambda-cyhalothrin spray and 95% with granular bifenthrin. In contrast, granular carbaryl did not significantly reduce any life stages of H. longicornis. The IGR (pyriproxyfen/novaluron) resulted in a significant 45% reduction of the larval stage following treatments in July. No other stages were significantly impacted by pyriproxyfen alone or in combination with novaluron. Analysis of non-target species revealed that the community composition of soil-dwelling arthropods was strongly impacted by pyrethroid treatments and, to a lesser extent, by the carbamate treatment. The granular pyrethroid bifenthrin had more pronounced effects and impacted a broader range of non-target groups in the pitfall traps than the liquid pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin. Arthropod groups that were negatively impacted included Isopoda, Formicidae, Coleoptera, Araneae, Acari, and Grylloidea. Collembola numbers, however, were elevated in both pyrethroid treatments. The community composition of arthropods collected on the above-ground sticky traps was strongly impacted only in the liquid lambda-cyhalothrin treatment. The primary groups impacted in the sticky trap analysis were Collembola and Hemiptera. Community composition in traps remained distinct in the pyrethroid treatments through the entire survey period up to 62 days post-treatment. The results of this study indicate that pyrethroid acaricides were highly effective at controlling H. longicornis, while other compounds, including carbaryl and IGRs, did not achieve consistent levels of control. Further research is needed to find effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives. Integrated management programs can include the judicious use of pyrethroids to control H. longicornis.

Resistance, cross-resistance and stability of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki in Earias vittella (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Transgenic cotton expressing (Cry) endotoxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is cultivated in various regions of the world to manage spotted bollworm, Earias vittella, a serious pest of cotton and okra crops. However, the development of resistance to Bt toxins is a major challenge to the management and the current laboratory study was conducted to investigate the development of resistance in E. vittella against Bt toxins, the stability of Bt resistance and the patterns of cross-resistance found to other insecticides. A field-collected strain of E. vittella that showed moderate level of resistance to a commercial spray formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis sub species kurstaki (Btk) (Dipel®) was further exposed to Dipel continuously for eight generations (G1-G8). At G1, the resistance ratios (RR) for Dipel, an organophosphate triazophos, the pyrethroids bifenthrin, lambda (λ)-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin, the pyrole chlorfenapyr and the avermectin emamectin benzoate were 31, 21, 113, 157, 25, 19 and 14 µg a.i. /mL, respectively compared with a laboratory susceptible (Lab-PK). At G9, after eight generations of selection with Dipel, the LC50 value for Dipel was significantly greater (P < 0.01) compared with G1, with a corresponding 128- fold increase in the resistance ratios (RR) for Dipel-SEL compared with Lab-PK. In contrast, the LC50 values for triazophos, bifenthrin. lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, chlorfenapyr and emamectin benzoate all decreased significantly (P < 0.01) for Dipel-SEL at G9, indicating a lack of cross-resistance to Dipel. When Dipel-SEL was left unselected for five generations (G9-G13), bioassays at G14 showed a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the LC50 value for Dipel with a corresponding 3-fold decline in the RR; suggesting that resistance to Dipel in Dipel-SEL was unstable. The apparent instability of Dipel resistance in the Dipel-SEL E. vittella strain and the apparent absence of cross-resistance to various other classes of insecticides provides the opportunity for resistance management program involving the rotational use of such compounds with Dipel.

Toxicity and risk assessment of nine pesticides on nontarget natural predator Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a beneficial predatory arthropod in the agricultural ecosystem. For the success and development of integrated pest management strategies, it is essential to assess the toxicity risks of commonly used pesticides to nontarget arthropods. The glass tube residue method was used to determine the risk of nine pesticides to H. axyridis after second-instar exposure. To assess the potential risk of the selected pesticides, the pre-adult LR50 values were calculated by the hazard quotient (HQ) method. The LR50 (application rate causing 50% mortality) values of imidacloprid, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, bifenthrin, and dimethoate were 0.44, 0.82, 0.10, 0.05, 0.04, and 0.21 g a.i.ha-1 , respectively, showing unacceptable risk to H. axyridis after exposure to in and off field. However, emamectin benzoate and two fungicides, tebuconazole and myclobutanil, posed a low risk to H. axyridis and their HQ values were less than the trigger value of 5. The four neonicotinoid insecticides (imidacloprid, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, and acetamiprid), pyrethroid bifenthrin, and organophosphorus dimethoate showed a high risk to H. axyridis. Emamectin benzoate, tebuconazole, and myclobutanil showed a low risk to H. axyridis under both exposure scenarios. The results provide critical scientific evidence to guide future regulation of pesticide management practices and protection of nontarget arthropods like H. axyridis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis, antimosquito activities, photodegradation, and toxic assessment of novel pyrethroids containing 2-chlorobiphenyl and 2-chlorophenylpyridine.

Aedes albopictus is a mosquito species and a vector of dengue virus and malaria parasites that represents a significant threat to global public health. Although mosquito populations have been effectively controlled through the use of synthetic insecticides, the emergence of widespread insecticide resistance in wild mosquito populations is a strong motivation to explore new insecticidal chemistries. In this study, A. albopictus was treated with a series of novel pyrethroids containing 2-chlorobiphenyl and 2-chlorophenylpyridine via topical application. The relative antimosquito activity of each novel compound was determined, as measured by the LC50 , and compared with the synthetic pyrethroid bifenthrin. The most antimosquito activity compound (SZ-B-11) was 4.69 times more active than bifenthrin. The novel compounds were also sensitive to wild A. albopictus. In addition, in silico toxicity assessment of aquatic organisms showed that the acute toxicity and chronic toxicity of SZ-B-11 were 31.96 times and 934.40 times lower than those of bifenthrin, respectively. Cytotoxicity assessment demonstrated that all tested compounds were nontoxic against SH-SY5Y cell lines. Furthermore, photolytic results suggested that SZ-B-11 would be photodegraded more easily than bifenthrin and would reduce secondary pollution. Novel pyrethroids containing 2-chlorobiphenyl and 2-chlorophenylpyridine, through simple synthesis steps, have better antimosquito activity, low resistance, less ecotoxicity, readily degradable characteristics, and may reduce secondary pollution. They are promising insecticides with potential application prospects in agricultural production and environmental protection. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Human exposure to organochlorine, pyrethroid and neonicotinoid pesticides: Comparison between urban and semi-urban regions of India.

In developing countries, urban areas may be at greater risk of pesticide exposure compared to semi-urban agricultural regions. To investigate this, concentrations of selected pesticides were measured in 81 human milk samples collected in urban Kolkata and semi-urban Nadia in West Bengal, India. Three classes of pesticides were investigated - legacy organochlorines and emerging pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. The average concentration of the majority of the chemicals (DDT, its metabolites, HCH isomers, bifenthrin, endosulfan), showed a clear urban>semi-urban trend. Compared with previous measurements in other Indian cities and developing nations, current HCH and DDT concentrations in urban Kolkata were high. These chemicals were detected in 100% of the samples in both the urban and the semi-urban region. Also in both regions, the Estimated Daily Intake of DDTs, HCHs, aldrin, dieldrin and the pyrethroid bifenthrin for breastfed infants exceeded the Tolerable Daily Intake in a number of samples. Three pyrethroids were detected in human milk samples in India for the first time. This indicates a shift in the usage pattern of pesticides in India from organochlorines to pyrethroids. These findings may be used to drive targeted regulation of pesticides in developing countries with similar histories of pesticide use.

Pyrethroid insecticides reapproved

The US Environmental Protection Agency has given the green light for 13 pyrethroid insecticides to remain on the US market, with a few new restrictions. The EPA is reevaluating a total of 23 pyrethroids and pyrethrins for risks to human health and the environment. The agency plans to complete assessments for the remaining 10 within the next 2 years. Pyrethroids are synthetic analogs of pyrethrins, insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. They are less acutely toxic to people, mammals, and birds than organophosphate pesticides , but are associated with neurological disorders in humans and are harmful to pollinators and fish. To address human health risks, the EPA is requiring certain label changes for some products containing the pyrethroids bifenthrin, cyfluthrin and β-cyfluthrin, and prallethrin. The agency is also requiring measures that reduce runoff and spray drift for all pyrethroids and pyrethrins to mitigate ecological risks. Environmental groups say the measures don’t

A Comparison of Different Statistical Methods for Addressing Censored Left Data in Temporal Trends Analysis of Pyrethroids in a California Stream.

This study compared four different statistical methods, involving six estimation procedures, for addressing censored left data in measuring temporal trends of eight different pyrethroids measured in sediment from a 10-year data set in a residential California stream (Pleasant Grove Creek). The statistical methods used were: the Kaplan-Meier (km) method; the robust regression on order statistics (ros using normal and log normal distributions rosln); the maximum likelihood estimation (mlen using normal and log normal distributions mleln); and a substitution method (sub) using ½ the detection limit. For five of the eight pyrethroids (bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and permethrin), the six statistical methods generally agree, with one exception, that the data set exhibit significant declining trends. In the case of bifenthrin, the slight disagreement among statistical methods only occurred for the mleln estimate that did not show a significant declining trend, whereas the other five methods did. For deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, and fenpropathrin, all six statistical methods were in agreement showing no significant trends. Possible reasons for declining sediment concentrations of pyrethroids in Pleasant Grove Creek are urban label changes effective in 2012-2015 that reduced residential use, variable annual rainfall, and more responsible homeowner use based on outreach/education programs.

An evaluation of temporal and spatial trends of pyrethroid concentrations in California surface waters

Pyrethroid insecticides are frequently detected in urban surface waters at levels that are deleterious to sensitive aquatic species. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) Surface Water Protection Program collected 717 water and 191 sediment samples from 2009 to 2018 throughout California, providing a large dataset to conduct spatial and temporal trend analysis of pyrethroid concentrations. The pyrethroid bifenthrin accounted for 72% of average sample concentrations, and a strong relationship between whole water bifenthrin concentrations and the observed toxicity to the test species Hyallela azteca was established. To help mitigate runoff concentrations, CDPR adopted regulations in 2012 intended to limit the mass of pyrethroids applied to structures by professional pest control operators. A statistical analysis of CDPR statewide monitoring data collected at storm drain outfall and receiving water sites was conducted to determine if any significant trends in pyrethroid concentrations exist. Nonparametric statistical analysis of monitoring data revealed significant regional differences. In Northern California, decreasing trends in bifenthrin and cypermethrin concentrations may be counterbalanced by a potential switch to deltamethrin-containing products. Conversely, the few observed trends in concentrations at Southern California monitoring stations could be a result of regional hydrological and pest pressure differences. To evaluate the effects of structural applications on pyrethroid concentrations in urban runoff, CDPR conducted field trials using a tracer pyrethroid that was applied in accordance with the regulations. Detectable levels in runoff were observed, with an estimated 0.004–0.005% mass transport offsite per storm. Using field-derived sediment, the observed half-lives (514 days+) highlight the potential for contaminant laden sediment to serve as a long-term source of pyrethroids within waterways. Both chemistry and observed toxicity data identify storm water runoff as a primary transport mechanism. However, the presence of pyrethroids in dry-weather runoff suggests that significant loading can occur under various hydrologic conditions.

Biotype and status of insecticide resistance of whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Alhassa oasis, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

AbstractThe tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is one of the major insects infesting vegetable plants. This pest is well known in Alhassa oasis, Saudi Arabia; which is historically agricultural land cultivated with date palm trees and different vegetables. A molecular key based on the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene CO1 was used for the identification of strains of the tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci collected from farms located in four areas of the Alhassa oasis; Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western. Only one biotype (B‐biotype) of B. tabaci was reported in the oasis. Resistance of B. tabaci was tested against eight insecticides, the results showed moderate to low levels of resistance to the tested insecticides. However, the resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides was low and established at 1.3 fold to both Imidacloprid and Acetamiprid. In addition, medium levels of resistance were detected to the insect growth regulator Pyriproxyfen (30 fold), and the pyrethroid Deltamethrin (30 fold), Bifenthrin (24 fold) and Cypermethrin (13 fold). A medium level of resistance was also detected to the carbamate insecticide Carbosulfan and was 40 fold of the laboratory strains. A low level of resistance to the organophosphorus insecticide was detected to Phenthoate (11 fold). However, these results reflect that the farmers were less dependent on the use of insecticides to control B. tabaci in the oasis and they may be implementing other environmentally sound techniques to keep the pest below the damage threshold.

Field evaluation of water plant extracts on sucking insect pests and their associated predators in transgenic Bt cotton

Several plant species and their compounds are well-known to have some pesticidal properties against a wide range of insect pests. Potential of two water plant extracts, Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Melia azedarach L., in comparison with the synthetic pyrethroid bifenthrin against sucking insect pests and their associated predators, as well on the yield in Bt cotton, was evaluated. The population of the sucking insect pests was found lowest in the positive control (only bifenthrin application). The A. indica extract reduced the pest population equivalent to the positive control, but the highest populations were observed in both negative controls (only water and 0.1% soap with water application). The M. azedarach did not show any harmful effect on the insect population. The predators’ abundance was higher in the plots where botanicals were applied, while the lowest population was observed in the bifenthrin treatment. In comparison to the negative control (only water application), (63.4%) cotton yield was increased by the application of A. indica and (58.8%) by the application of the synthetic insecticide. Using plant extracts of A. indica to control sucking insect pests of cotton can be as effective as synthetic insecticides in terms of crop yield beside they are safer for natural enemies in the field.

Western corn rootworm pyrethroid resistance confirmed by aerial application simulations of commercial insecticides

The western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) (WCR) is a major insect pest of corn (Zea mays L.) in the United States (US) and is highly adaptable to multiple management tactics. A low level of WCR field-evolved resistance to pyrethroid insecticides has been confirmed in the US western Corn Belt by laboratory dose-response bioassays. Further investigation has identified detoxification enzymes as a potential part of the WCR resistance mechanism, which could affect the performance of insecticides that are structurally related to pyrethroids, such as organophosphates. Thus, the responses of pyrethroid-resistant and -susceptible WCR populations to the commonly used pyrethroid bifenthrin and organophosphate dimethoate were compared in active ingredient bioassays. Results revealed a relatively low level of WCR resistance to both active ingredients. Therefore, a simulated aerial application bioassay technique was developed to evaluate how the estimated resistance levels would affect performance of registered rates of formulated products. The simulated aerial application technique confirmed pyrethroid resistance to formulated rates of bifenthrin whereas formulated dimethoate provided optimal control. Results suggest that the relationship between levels of resistance observed in dose-response bioassays and actual efficacy of formulated product needs to be further explored to understand the practical implications of resistance.

Effects of polyethylene microplastics on the acute toxicity of a synthetic pyrethroid to midge larvae (Chironomus tepperi) in synthetic and river water

Microplastics are ubiquitous pollutants in the aquatic environment. However, our understanding of the interaction of chemicals, particularly synthetic pyrethroids, with microplastics and the potential toxic effects of sorbed contaminants on aquatic organisms under realistic conditions is still extremely limited. In this study, we examined whether the presence of polyethylene (PE) microplastics can affect the acute toxicity of the synthetic pyrethroid bifenthrin to an invertebrate Chironomus tepperi in both synthetic and river water. Bifenthrin alone was, as expected, acutely toxic to exposed larvae (LC50 of 0.5 μg/L after 48 h exposure). The addition of microplastics to synthetic water significantly reduced the toxicity of bifenthrin (apparent LC50 = 1.3 μg/L), most likely because sorption of bifenthrin to microplastics reduced its bioavailability to the exposed larvae. A sorption capacity experiment showed that >92% of bifenthrin was sorbed to microplastics. In river water containing 9.6 mg/L organic carbon, bifenthrin alone was less toxic (LC50 = 1.3 μg/L) than in synthetic water. Strikingly, the addition of microplastics to river water did not mitigate bifenthrin toxicity (apparent LC50 = 1.4 μg/L), most likely due to greater interaction of bifenthrin with organic carbon than with microplastics. While PE microplastics reduced the negative effects of bifenthrin in synthetic water, the presence of organic carbon in river water without microplastics also reduced toxicity. This suggests that while sorption of contaminants to microplastics does occur, it may not be as relevant under environmentally realistic conditions with mg/L concentrations of organic matter.

Pyrethroid bifenthrin induces oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal damage, associated with cognitive and memory impairment in murine hippocampus

Exposure to synthetic pyrethroid (SPs) pesticides such as bifenthrin (BF) has been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and cognitive impairments, but the underlying neurobiological mechanism is poorly understood so far. The present study has been designed to evaluate changes in behavior and in biomarkers of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of rats subchronically treated with BF. Rats exposed daily to BF at doses of 0.6 and 2.1 mg/kg b. w. for 60 days exhibited spatial and cognitive impairments as well as memory dysfunction after 60 days. This repeated BF treatment also significantly increased mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-1β), (IL-6), nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor-kappaB pathway (NF-kappaB), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the hippocampus. It further resulted in a significant increase in protein levels of Nrf2, COX-2, microsomal prostaglandin synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and NF-kappaB. This was accompanied by oxidative/nitrosative stress in the hippocampus of treated rats, as shown by increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCO), and nitric oxide (NO), and reduced levels of enzymatic (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidants. The data are in line with those obtained in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) isolated from mouse brain and exposed to BF for 72 h, showing neuronal death only at the high dose of 20 μM when compared to controls.These findings suggest that exposure to BF induces neuronal damage, alters redox state, and causes neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, which might lead to cognitive and memory impairment.

Reduced Susceptibility of Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) to Commonly Applied Insecticides.

Pest management for the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis Germar (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), in Kern County, California relies on the application of insecticides. These treatments have contributed to low H. vitripennis field counts since applications were initiated in 2001. However, densities have been high in recent years despite continued management, prompting efforts to evaluate the susceptibility of current populations to insecticides. H. vitripennis adults were subjected to bioassays with five commonly applied insecticides, and the results were compared to baseline toxicities determined in 2002. Two neonicotinoids, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, were evaluated using systemic uptake bioassays. Contact toxicities of the neonicotinoid acetamiprid and pyrethroids bifenthrin and fenpropathrin were estimated using leaf dip bioassays. Dose-mortality responses were analyzed by probit analysis. For each compound, there was no significant difference in annual LC50 values determined over 2 yr. Compared to baseline toxicities, acetamiprid and bifenthrin were found to be significantly less toxic to H. vitripennis. The LC50 values of these two compounds increased sevenfold and 152-fold, respectively. Tests with the neonicotinoids revealed a trend of decreasing susceptibility levels within each season followed by reversion back to early season LC50 estimates in the following year. In addition, data showed seasonal and site variation in susceptibility to imidacloprid, possibly due to differential applications in nearby fields.

Diagnostic Dose Assays for the Detection and Monitoring of Resistance in Adults From Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Populations.

The annual bluegrass weevil, Listronotus maculicollis (Kirby) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is the most difficult to control insect pest on golf courses in eastern North America. Insecticide resistance, particularly to pyrethroids, is a serious and expanding issue in its management. Optimal diagnostic tools for resistance detection are crucial for efficient resistance monitoring and mitigation. Developed vial and Petri dish assays clearly separated different resistance levels among weevil populations. With the pyrethroid bifenthrin, susceptible, moderately resistant (resistance ratios, RR50s 12.2-95.7), and highly resistant (RR50s 258.2-1760.9) populations were distinguished. With the organophosphate chlorpyrifos, susceptible, tolerant (RR50s 2.4-6.7), and resistant (RR50s 8.8-120.7) populations were distinguished. In validation assays, several bifenthrin and chlorpyrifos concentrations were needed to separate resistance levels in Petri dish (bifenthrin: 112.2 and 336.3 or 3,362.5 mg AI/m2; chlorpyrifos: 3.4 and 33.6 mg AI/m2) and vial (bifenthrin: 112.1 or 1,120.8 mg AI/m2; chlorpyrifos: 2.2 and 11.2 mg AI/m2) assays. The Petri dish assay with formulated bifenthrin and chlorpyrifos was the best option for L. maculicollis resistance detection and monitoring. It demonstrated sufficient discriminating power, accurately reflected resistance levels, and was easier to conduct. A single diagnostic concentration sufficed to separate susceptible and resistant populations. To determine different resistance or tolerance levels, two to three concentrations were necessary.