Use Of Pesticides In Agriculture Research Articles

Optimasi Penggunaan Bio-Pestisida sebagai Pengganti Pestisida Kimia pada Pertanian di Kec. Percut Sei Tuan, Kab. Deli Serdang

Deli Serdang is an agricultural center in North Sumatra where farming activities are still done conventionally using chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. The frequent use of synthetic pesticides continuously leads to negative impacts such as the emergence of pest resistance and resurgence. Because the pests have become resistant, farmers will continue to use synthetic pesticides by increasing the dosage and application time so that production can be achieved. The purpose of this research is to understand the actual impact, identify sustainable solutions, and promote agriculture that is safer, environmentally friendly, and sustainable. By analyzing the impact of pesticide use in agriculture considering various aspects. The method used is qualitative descriptive through interviews and observations. The excessive use of pesticides in agricultural ecosystems pollutes the soil and water and kills beneficial non-target organisms, which can disrupt the ecosystem balance and reduce agricultural biodiversity. Meanwhile, the impact on the health of farmers includes health risks, including acute and chronic poisoning. Farmers and agricultural workers may experience respiratory problems, skin irritation, nervous system damage, and long-term risks such as cancer.

Combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and carbendazim on Eisenia fetida: A comprehensive ecotoxicological study

Microplastic (MP) pollution is becoming an emerging environmental concern across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Plastic mulching and the use of pesticides in agriculture can lead to microplastics and agrochemicals in soil, which can result in unintended exposure to non-target organisms. The combined toxicity of multiple stressors represents a significant paradigm shift within the field of ecotoxicology, and its exploration within terrestrial ecosystems involving microplastics is still relatively limited. The present study investigated the combined effects of polyethylene MP (PE-MP) and the agrochemical carbendazim (CBZ) on the earthworm Eisenia fetida at different biological levels of organization. While E. fetida survival and reproduction did not exhibit significant effects following PE-MP treatment, there was a reduction in cocoon and hatchling numbers. Notably, prolonged exposure revealed delayed toxicity, leading to substantial growth impairment. Exposure to CBZ led to significant alterations in the endpoints mentioned above. While there was a decrease in cocoon and hatchling numbers, the combined treatment did not yield significant effects on earthworm reproduction except at higher concentrations. However, lower concentrations of PE-MP alongside CBZ induced a noteworthy decline in biomass content, signifying a form of potentiation interaction. In addition, concurrent exposure led to synergistic effects, from oxidative stress to modifications in vital organs such as the body wall, intestines, and reproductive structures (spermathecae, seminal vesicles, and ovarian follicles). The comparison of multiple endpoints revealed that seminal vesicles and ovarian follicles were the primary targets during the combined exposure. The research findings suggest that there are variable and complex responses to microplastic toxicity in terrestrial ecosystems, especially when combined with other chemical stressors like agrochemicals. Despite these difficulties, the study implies that microplastics can alter earthworms' responses to agrochemical exposure, posing potential ecotoxicological risks to soil fauna.

Impact of Washing and Fermentation on the Concentration of Pesticide Residues in Nigerian Staple Foods By IJISRT

The use of pesticides in agriculture is linked to accumulation of toxic compounds in the soil, in food, and its accumulation in animal and human tissues. Pesticide residues are deposits of pesticides that remain on or in agricultural produce after harvest or during storage. This work examined the effects various processing steps on the levels of methoxychlor, dieldrin, p,p’-DDE and α- chlordane residues in common staples; maize, rice, beans and cassava. The treatments administered included cold water washing, hot water washing, and fermentation for 3 and 5 days. The Quick, Effective, Cheap, Easy, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) technique was adopted for extraction of pesticide residues while gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used for quantification of the residues in the samples. The processing steps applied had various effects on the level of residues ranging from - 149% to 100% reduction in level of pesticide; in rice processing, washing with hot water had the greatest impact in reducing methoxychlor (55.5-97.1%) and α- chlordane (95.5%). Fermentation for 5 days had the greatest impact in reducing methoxychlor residue from cassava (13.6-26.3%), while fermentation of maize for 3 or 5 days had similar impact in reduction of the level of methoxychlor (35.5-79.5% and 39.1-78.4% respectively) and α-chlordane (100% and 100% respectively). Hot water washing of beans was most effective in eliminating methoxychlor (98.4%), p,p’-DDE (100%), α-chlordane (100%) and dieldrin (100%). Reduction in hazard index was also observed with processing, as a result of reduction in amount of pesticide going into the diet.

Protection of cowpea seeds and toxicity against cowpea weevils by the essential oils from Lippia alba (verbenaceae) and Schinus terebinthifolius (anacardiaceae)

Alternative methods have been widely studied to mitigate problems arising from the use of pesticides in agriculture. Among them is the use of essential oils to control stored grain pests. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fumigation of cowpeas with 12 essential oils having different chemical profiles, derived from the germplasm collection of Schinus terebinthifolius and Lippia alba at Rio de Janeiro Federal Rural University. These oils were applied at various concentrations (0.1–1.0 mg/mL of air) against cowpea weevils (Callosobruchus maculatus). The chemotypes evaluated included citral, citral/limonene, carvone/limonene, and linalool from the essential oils of L. alba, as well as α-pinene, sabinene, α-phellandrene/α-pinene, β-pinene/α-pinene, δ-carene/α-pinene, limonene, α-phellandrene/sabinene, and myrcene from the essential oils of S. terebinthifolius. Various aspects of the insects' reproductive cycle were evaluated, including mortality, egg laying, emergence of new adults, emergence rate, and larval hatching, along with grain mass loss. The results indicated life cycle inhibition of all evaluated oils, with the essential oil from the UFRRJ ECB028 (linalool CT) genotype having the lowest LC50 (0.10 mg/mL of air), completely halting the insects’ life cycle and totally preventing seed mass loss. Overall, the results pointed to certain genotypes as promising for the development of technologies aimed at seed protection.

Experimental study on photodegradation and leaching of typical pesticides in greenhouse soil from Shouguang, Shandong Province, East China

BackgroundPesticide use contributes to national food security. The dissipation pathways and degradation mechanisms of pesticides have been widely studied and pesticide residues have remained a focus of public concern. However, studies on the migration and transformation behaviors of pesticide residues in real-world greenhouse soils are insufficient. Therefore, in this study, we collected greenhouse soil from Shouguang, Shandong Province, and investigated the photodegradation and leaching of 17 common pesticides, which leave residues in the soil and are the most frequently used pesticides in Shouguang. The environmental behavior of pesticides in greenhouse soils will provide new information on pesticide residues in the real environment and provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of pesticide pollution in greenhouse soils.ResultsThe photodegradation of trifloxystrobin followed a first-order kinetic equation, whereas those of emamectin benzoate, chlorantraniliprole, buprofezin, difenoconazole, pyraclostrobin, boscalid, tebuconazole, isoprothiolane, metalaxyl, and oxadixyl followed second-order kinetics. The half-lives of 17 pesticides under light and dark conditions ranged from 2.5–104 (mean: 36.2) and 2.6–110 (mean: 31.4) days, respectively. The half-lives of emamectin benzoate, pyraclostrobin, and metalaxyl in the light were 86.6%, 68.5%, and 94.5% of their half-lives in the dark, respectively. Chlorantraniliprole, metalaxyl, nitenpyram, diethofencarb, acetamiprid, carbendazim, and oxadixyl were leached to ≥ 90% in aqueous solution. Six pesticides, avermectin B1A, emamectin benzoate, trifloxystrobin, difenoconazole, pyraclostrobin, and buprofezin, were difficult to leach from aqueous solutions.ConclusionsThe degradation rate of some pesticides was higher in the light environment than in the dark. The leaching potential of the leachable pesticides was nitenpyram ≫ metalaxyl > acetamiprid > carbendazim > diethofencarb ≈ chlorantraniliprole > isoprothiolane > oxadixyl > boscalid ≈ tebuconazole > hexaconazole. Pesticides that are easy to leach but not easily degraded, such as chlorantraniliprole and metalaxyl, have a high potential risk of groundwater pollution, and additional degradation technologies should be used to reduce their pollution risk. The study of the photodegradation and vertical migration behavior of various pesticides is conducive to providing references for the agricultural use and pollution control of pesticides.

Occurrence and toxicological relevance of pesticides and trace metals in agricultural soils, sediments, and water of the Sogamoso River basin, Colombia

Historical pesticide use in agriculture and trace metal accumulation have long term impact on soil, sediment, and water quality. This research quantifies legacy and current-use pesticides and trace metals, assessing their occurrence and toxicological implications on a watershed scale in the Sogamoso River basin, tributary of the Magdalena River in Colombia. Organochlorine pesticides (22), organophosphates (7), and azole fungicides (5), as well as trace metals cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed in croplands and along the river. Toxic units (TU) and hazard quotients (HQ) were calculated to assess the mixture toxicity. Organochlorines were detected in 84% of soils, 100% of sediments, and 80% of water samples. Organophosphates were found in 100% of soil and sediment samples, as well as in 70% of water samples. Azole fungicides were present in 79% of soils, 60% of sediments, and in 10% of water samples. Total pesticide concentrations ranged from 214.2 to 8497.7 μg/kg in soils, 569.6–12768.2 μg/kg in sediments, and 0.2–4.1 μg/L in water. In addition, the use of partition coefficient (Kd) and organic carbon fraction (foc) allowed the distribution analysis for most of the pesticides in sediments, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and water systems, but not for soils. Concentrations of trace metals Cu, Zn, Pb, and Zn exceeded international quality guidelines for agricultural soils in 16% of the samples. Furthermore, Cu and Zn concentrations exceeded sediment quality guidelines in 50 and 90% of the samples, respectively. These findings demonstrate the broad distribution of complex mixtures of trace metals, legacy organochlorines, and current-use pesticides across the basin, indicating that conventional agriculture is a significant source of diffuse pollution. Sustainable agricultural practices are needed to mitigate adverse impacts on ecosystems and human health.

Differences Between Farmers and Crop Protection Service Providers in the Use of Pesticides

EU-wide statistics on the use of pesticides in agriculture are available on the quantities placed on the market, but data on actual use in practice are limited. In this study, comparative data on pesticide use and resistance management were collected for a region with mixed agriculture (arable and animal husbandry) in Austria. Based on individual pesticide records of 30 farmers and 10 service providers who perform plant protection tasks for 30 farms, the average application rates of pesticides, the change of the active substance group as well as the shortfalls and exceedances of the maximum permissible application rate were compared. Most farmers and service providers usually make a well-considered change in the group of active substances to avoid the development of resistance. Exceedances and underdosing of authorised application rates were found for both groups of people, with farmers tending to deviate more often. The applications amounts were largely in compliance with the law, however, in 3.69% of the 2387 evaluated uses of pesticides, the authorised application rate was exceeded. This excess was found somewhat more frequently among farmers than service providers. The application rate excesses can be attributed to technical overruns due to differences between actually farmed and formally declared area, confusion caused by complex application instructions but also by intention. To avoid inadequate information on authorised application rates and to simplify information gathering, the development of databases and apps that take into account not only the indisputably essential aspect of correct registration, but especially the user and user-friendliness, would be of great benefit and value. Packaging sizes adapted to different requirements and farm sizes would also be advantageous. High priority should be given to the technical training of users and sales personnel. This can contribute to higher professionalism in the use of pesticides in terms of compliance and resistance management, but also to the reduction of pesticides.

Heavy Metals in Common Fishes Consumed in Dhaka, a Megacity of Asia: A Probabilistic Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Health Hazard.

Heavy metal contamination of fish is a serious public health concern worldwide, including in Bangladesh. In this study, six commonly consumed fish species namely Hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha), Kachki (Corica soborna), Punti (Puntitus ticto), Taki (Channa punctatus), Meni (Nandus nandus), and Tengra (Mystus tengara) were analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni), by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The fish samples were collected from wholesale markets in Dhaka city, the main business hub of Bangladesh where the fishes converged from countrywide and are redistributed to the whole city. The metal concentration varied among the studied fish species. Hilsha, the national fish of Bangladesh, contained the highest As among the other fishes of this study, whereas Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Ni were the highest in Kachki, and Pb and Cr were the highest in Tengra. The probable source of metal accumulation in the fish species may be the river or marine water that can be contaminated by industrial waste, pesticide, and/or fertilizer use in agriculture and/or commercial fish feeds. All analyzed fish species showed serious heavy metal pollution, having high average pollution load index (APLI) values (> 1). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values for the metals were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The hazard index (HI) for all the fish species was above 1 for adults, showing non-carcinogenic health risks. The targetcarcinogenic risk (TCR) values were below the acceptable limit (10-4) for most of the metals, indicating safe for consumption with respect to the risk of cancer.

Assessing the Public Perceptions of Media Coverage for Pesticides Use in the Agriculture Sector of India

Present research employs a survey method to explore the intricate relationship between media exposures and public perceptions of pesticide use in agriculture. A well-structured Google questionnaire was shared for data collection from the participants belonging to the northern district of Haryana, encompassing Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Karnal. A total 350 respondents participated in the online survey. The study reveals that the respondents who perceive media coverage as balanced are more likely to express concerns about pesticide use. The study tries to find out the degree of concern, trust, accuracy, and statistical significance. In terms of the perception influenced by media portrayals on pesticide use, a significant association is observed (Chi-square = 41.029, p < 0.0001). The analysis of media sources accuracy reveals a statistically significant association (Chi-square = 58.156, p < 0.0001). Respondents who perceived media sources as "Very accurate" reported higher levels of concern about pesticide use in agricultural practices, emphasizing the impact of perceived media accuracy on public concerns about pesticide use. The study found a strong link between media influence and the level of concern regarding pesticide use.

The untapped potential of cell culture in disentangling insect-microbial relationships.

Cell culture is a powerful technique for the investigation of molecular mechanisms fundamental to health and disease in a diverse array of organisms. Cell lines offer several advantages, namely their simplistic approach and high degree of reproducibility. One field where cell culture has proven particularly useful is the study of the microbiome, where cell culture has led to the illumination of microbial influences on host immunity, nutrition, and physiology. Thus far, researchers have focused cell culture work predominantly on humans, but the growing field of insect microbiome research stands to benefit greatly from its application. Insects constitute one of Earth's most diverse and ancient life forms and, just as with humans, possess microbiomes with great significance to their health. Insects, which play critical roles in supporting food security and ecological stability, are facing increasing threats from agricultural intensification, climate change, and pesticide use. As the microbiome is closely tied to host health, gaining a more robust understanding is of increasing importance. In this review, we assert that the cultivation and utilization of insect gut cell lines in microbiome research will bridge critical knowledge gaps essential for informing insect management practices in a world under pressure.

BİTKİSEL KÖKENLİ GIDALARDA YÜKSEK POLARİTELİ PESTİSİTLERİN SIVI KROMATOGRAFİ/KÜTLE SPEKTROMETRİSİ YÖNTEMİYLE ANALİZİ

Pesticides in foods of plant origin are becoming a major issue due to their intensive use in agriculture. Since pesticides are potentially harmful to the environment and consequently to human health through the consumption of pesticide contaminated foods. The European Community and also the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Turkish Republic established maximum residue levels (MRLs), based on the assumption that good agricultural practice is applied at the use of pesticides in farming, for pesticide residues in food of plant origin. As a consequence food commodities have to be controlled to assure the non-violation of the MRLs. Thus an appropriate control of their residues in samples has to be operated. 
 In this study, we inferred the analytical methods for highly polar pesticides in foods of plant origin via LC-MS/MS after extraction with acidified methanol according to QuPPe (Quick Polar Pesticides) method. Optimization of 13 highly polar pesticides was carried out with LC-MS/MS Q-Trap. After the optimization process has been completed, the samples to be taken according to the SANTE (Guidance document on analytical quality control and method validation procedures for pesticide residues and analysis in food and feed) guidelines have been carefully selected, including high water, high acid/high water, high sugar/low water, high oil/low water and high starch/low water content and difficult or unique commodities. Six samples carefully selected according to the SANTE guideline were carried out at two different concentrations, one of at the detection limit which is 10 µg/L. At the end of the studies, it was found that the RSD criteria for repeatabilitiy was below 20 % for all substances. In addition, the recovery value for all substances was in the range of 70 – 120 %. As a result, 13 different polar pesticides can be analyzed in product groups of plant origin via LC-MS/MS method developed by using hypercarb column.

Vicia sativa subsp. sativa native to the Middle East comprises Pea Albumin1 b-like homologs: A promising natural biopesticide

The extensive and indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides in agriculture has led to adverse effects on human health, environmental pollution, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests. To mitigate these challenges, the development of environmentally friendly alternatives is crucial, with biopesticides emerging as promising solutions such as peptides. Legume seeds naturally contain diverse insecticidal peptides or proteins to combat pest attacks. One such peptide is PA1b (Pea Albumin 1, subunit b), a 37 amino acid extracted from pea seeds (Pisum sativum). PA1b has shown significant potential in controlling cereal weevils (Sitophilus spp.), a major pest of stored cereals. Here, we screened PA1b-like peptides in five wild seeds of vetches (Vicia sativa subsp. sativa) from the Middle East. Using a comprehensive set of biochemical, biological, and molecular techniques, we characterized different PA1b homologs and assessed their toxicity and expression profiles. Our results reveal that PA1b homolog from Vicia sativa subsp. sativa originating from turkey displays outstanding insecticidal activity against Sitophilus oryzae through binding to the receptor site found in the midgut of the insect. Moreover, it exhibits a strong cytotoxic effect against Sf9 cells. This cysteine-rich peptide shows sequence identity and the same hydrophobic pole as AG41, a tenfold more toxic isoform of PA1b from Medicago truncatula. Such observations pave the way for the development of bioinsecticides, with PA1b-like peptides as lead compounds.

FRET-Based Host-Guest Supramolecular Probe for On-Site and Broad-Spectrum Detection of Pyrethroids in the Environment.

The massive use of pyrethroid pesticides in agriculture has brought growing concerns about food safety due to their several harmful effects on human health, especially through the accumulation of the food chain. To date, most of the available analytical methods for pyrethroids still suffer from insufficient detection universality, complicated sample pretreatment, and detection processes, which severely limit their practical applications. Herein, a novel Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-assisted host-guest supramolecular nanoassembly is reported, for the first time, successfully realizing ratiometric fluorescent detection of pyrethroids in real samples through the indicator displacement assay (IDA) mechanism. This method is capable of detecting a broad spectrum of pyrethroids, including bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, etofenprox, fenvalerate, and permethrin, with ultrahigh detection sensitivity, great selectivity, high anti-interference ability, and, in particular, distinct emission color response from red to green. Such a large chromatic response makes this method available for fast and on-site detection of pyrethroids in real samples with the aid of several simple portable analytical apparatuses.

IMPACTS OF INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE ON BIRDS: A REVIEW

Intensive agriculture has had a negative impact on biodiversity and human health across the world. Specifically, bird populations have declined for many years due to soil degradation and agrochemical pollution. This review, which draws on 890 sources, including research articles and literature reviews, examines the interaction between birds and intensive agriculture to better understand its effects and conservation implications. Intensive agricultural activities have resulted in significant population declines among insectivorous and carnivorous birds, while generalist bird populations have increased. The heavy use of pesticides in intensive agriculture affects food availability for birds by reducing invertebrate and vertebrate populations as well as natural vegetation cover, which has a significant impact on bird diversity. Additionally, the accumulation of toxic compounds reduces bird reproductive success. In general, intensive agroecosystems have consistently had lower avian diversity than forest habitats and even lower-impact agricultural systems. However, some agroecosystems, such as rice fields, agricultural drainages, and canal systems, create alternative habitats that can benefit waterfowl. Future work should consider strategies such as restoring and enhancing vegetation edges, preserving natural vegetation, implementing organic farming practices, maintaining water bodies, and providing economic incentives for landowners to conserve biodiversity on their land to promote bird diversity conservation.

Relationship Between Pesticide Exposure Factors and Health Symptoms Among Chili Farmers in Northeast Thailand.

The unsafe use of pesticides in agriculture represents a major hazard to human health. This study was conducted to investigate the association between pesticide exposure and health symptoms among chili farmers in northeast Thailand. This cross-sectional analytic study included 141 chili farmers in Sakon Nakhon Province, in northeast Thailand. Data regarding health symptoms were gathered using a self-report questionnaire. A medical technician tested blood cholinesterase activity using an erythrocyte method, and an occupational medicine specialist at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand reviewed the results. Associations between personal characteristics, pesticide exposure factors, and health symptoms were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Of the 141 chili farmers studied, 66.7% experienced pesticide poisoning, as indicated by below-normal cholinesterase levels. Fatigue was the most frequently reported symptom associated with pesticide exposure, affecting 37.6% of participants. This was followed by nausea and vomiting (31.9%), dizziness (14.9%), and dry throat (14.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that several factors were significantly associated with adverse symptoms: amount of work experience, volume of pesticides used, use of chemical pesticides, use of leaking containers during spraying, direct pesticide exposure while working, contact with pesticide-soaked clothing, consumption of food and drinks in the fields, and blood cholinesterase level indicating risk. This study suggests potential health risks for chili farmers stemming from exposure to and contamination by pesticides used in agricultural practices. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to supply personal protective equipment and to implement educational programs aimed at improving protective behaviors among farmers.

Measuring the Impact of Pesticide Use, Labor Availability, and Agricultural Technology on Vegetable Farming Efficiency in Central Java

This research investigates the intricate dynamics influencing vegetable farming efficiency in Central Java, focusing on the interplay of Agricultural Technology, Labor Availability, and Pesticide Use. A quantitative approach employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) is employed, analyzing data from a diverse sample of 171 vegetable farms. The results reveal significant positive relationships between Agricultural Technology, Labor Availability, and Pesticide Use with Vegetable Farming Efficiency. The study sheds light on the nuanced associations among these factors, highlighting the potential benefits of technological adoption and skilled labor while emphasizing the need for sustainable and responsible pesticide use. Subgroup analyses based on farm size and geographical location provide insights into tailored interventions for different contexts. The findings contribute to the discourse on sustainable agricultural development, providing actionable insights for policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders in Central Java.

Fungal Endophytes: Discovering What Lies within Some of Canada's Oldest and Most Resilient Grapevines.

Plant diseases and pests reduce crop yields, accounting for global crop losses of 30% to 50%. In conventional agricultural production systems, these losses are typically controlled by applying chemical pesticides. However, public pressure is mounting to curtail agrochemical use. In this context, employing beneficial endophytic microorganisms is an increasingly attractive alternative to the use of conventional chemical pesticides in agriculture. A multitude of fungal endophytes are naturally present in plants, producing enzymes, small peptides, and secondary metabolites due to their bioactivity, which can protect hosts from pathogens, pests, and abiotic stresses. The use of beneficial endophytic microorganisms in agriculture is an increasingly attractive alternative to conventional pesticides. The aim of this study was to characterize fungal endophytes isolated from apparently healthy, feral wine grapes in eastern Canada that have grown without agrochemical inputs for decades. Host plants ranged from unknown seedlings to long-lost cultivars not widely propagated since the 1800s. HPLC-MS was used to identify unique endophyte-derived chemical compounds in the host plants, while dual-culture competition assays showed a range in endophytes' ability to suppress the mycelial growth of Botrytis, which is typically controlled in viticulture with pesticides. Twelve of the most promising fungal endophytes isolated were identified using multilocus sequencing and morphology, while DNA barcoding was employed to identify some of their host vines. These fungal endophyte isolates, which consisted of both known and putative novel strains, belonged to seven genera in six families and five orders of Ascomycota. Exploring the fungal endophytes in these specimens may yield clues to the vines' survival and lead to the discovery of novel biocontrol agents.

Assessment of physico chemical characteristics and plankton diversity of Anchuthengu lake ecosystem, Thiruvananthapuram district – South India

Water is the most widespread substance found in the natural environment; liquid, solid and invisible vapour. Fresh water is a crucial resource for human life and natural systems. The quality of water is usually described according to its physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Rapid industrialization and use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture are causing heavy and varied pollution in aquatic environments leading to the deterioration in water quality and aquatic biota. Planktons are taxonomically diverse, composed of plants, animals, bacteria and viruses. Globally the biomasses of phytoplankton and zooplankton are about equal, although the doubling time of zooplankton is considerably longer than for phytoplankton. The present investigation was carried out to assess the water quality and plankton diversity in Anchuthengu lake, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Analysis of water quality was done with respect to eleven important physicochemical parameters like air and surface water temperature, pH, TDS, salinity, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, free CO2, DO and BOD. Conductivity shows high positive correlation with alkalinity and hardness. Alkalinity is positively correlated with hardness. The aquatic flora and fauna in the lake may grow well because the DO value in the current study was over 5 mg/L, and the BOD value also indicates that the lake is less contaminated.. The dominated plankton species identified in the present study were Spirogyra, Chlorella, Navicula, Pinnularia, Oscillatoria, Closterium, Cosmerium.

Pesticide Application in Trinidadian Food Supply Chain: Food Safety and Sustainability Implications

The use of pesticides, although ensures crop protection and enables to achieve food security, often causes negative externalities for both human and the environment. This study sought to identify the factors that influence pesticide application in Trinidad, a major CARICOM nation, by conducting structured interviews with 174 farmers in eight municipal counties. The data were analysed using Ordered Probit Model. While gender and age showed no significant impact on pesticide use frequency, farm size and experience influenced application behaviours. Larger farms and experienced farmers displayed distinct patterns, calling for customized interventions. Notably, secondary and collegiate education was linked to reduced pesticide use, aligning with sustainability goals. Crop-specific trends were seen with an increase in the use of pesticides in the Solanaceae crop and leafy vegetables, underscoring the need for tailored approaches. Insect and weed issues had a limited impact, however, management of crop diseases was essential in reducing pesticide use. This study emphasizes the need for multi-disciplinary interventions that take into account the size of the farm, the level of experience, the level of education, and the types of crops grown in Trinidad, to promote the sustainable use of pesticides in agriculture. Such comprehensive strategies are essential for enhancing food safety and long-term sustainability of the Trinidad food supply chain, while also mitigating the negative externalities of pesticide application.

Systematization of research on the incidence of pesticides in people, use of biomarkers

Currently the use of pesticides in agriculture has expanded in the search for greater productivity. These products can harm people's health in various ways. These effects can be captured through the use of genotoxicity biomarkers. The objective of this research is to systematize studies on biomarkers of genotoxicity of people exposed to pesticides in South America. The PRISMA method was applied to determine the studies to be analyzed. 15 documents met the inclusion criteria. Among the adverse health effects perceived in studies are neurological, respiratory, dermatological and endocrine disorders, as well as an increased risk of cancer. The main biomarkers identified are the comet assay, the cytokinesis blockade micronucleus assay, and the buccal cytoma micronucleus assay. Polymerase chain reaction, chromosomal aberrations, flow cytometry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization were also taken into account. Limitations were determined by biomarker. The usefulness of using multiple biomarkers is highlighted for a more complete and precise evaluation of pesticide exposure and genotoxic damage in agricultural workers in South America. The establishment of protective measures for workers against the use of pesticides and opting for the use of pesticides of biological origin will contribute to the preservation of people's health