Use Of Pesticides Research Articles

A novel approach to triazole fungicides risk characterization: Bridging human biomonitoring and computational toxicology

Brazil stands as the world's leading coffee producer, where the extensive use of pesticides is economically critical yet poses health and environmental risks due to their non-selective mechanisms of action. Specifically, triazole fungicides are widely used in agriculture to manage fungal diseases and are known to disrupt mammalian CYP450 and liver microsomal enzymes. This research establishes a framework for risk characterization of human exposure to triazole fungicides by internal-dose biomonitoring, biochemical marker measurements, and integration of high-throughput screening (HTS) data via computational toxicology workflows from the Integrated Chemical Environment (ICE). Volunteers from the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, were divided into two groups: farmworkers and spouses occupationally and environmentally exposed to pesticides from rural areas (n = 140) and individuals from the urban area to serve as a comparison group (n = 50). Three triazole fungicides, cyproconazole, epoxiconazole, and triadimenol, were detected in the urine samples of both men and women in the rural group. Androstenedione and testosterone hormones were significantly reduced in the farmworker group (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.0001). The data show a significant inverse association of testosterone with cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, and glucose and a direct association with HDL (Spearman's correlation, p < 0.05). In the ICE workflow, active in vitro HTS assays were identified for the three measured triazoles and three other active ingredients from the pesticide formulations. The curated HTS data confirm bioactivities predominantly related to steroid hormone metabolism, cellular stress processes, and CYP450 enzymes impacted by fungicide exposure at occupationally and environmentally relevant concentrations based on the in vitro to in vivo extrapolation models. These results characterize the potentially significant human health risk, particularly from the high frequency and intensity of exposure to epoxiconazole. This study showcases the critical role of biomonitoring and utility of computational tools in evaluating pesticide exposure and minimizing the risk.

Role of Entomology in the Era of Precision Agriculture: A Review

Precision agriculture (PA) represents a transformative approach to farming by utilizing advanced technologies like GPS remote sensing, and data analytics to optimize crop production and minimize environmental impacts. While technological advancements in PA are well-documented, the role of entomology is often overlooked. This review highlights the critical intersection between entomology and PA, demonstrating how understanding insect behavior, population dynamics, and ecological interactions enhances PA practices. Insects play pivotal roles in pest management, pollination, and ecosystem health, making their study essential for developing effective PA strategies. The review examines how entomological research has informed precision pest management, integrated pest management (IPM) systems, and the use of biological control agents within the PA framework. It discusses how integrating entomological insights with PA technologies, such as remote sensing and sensor networks, enables real-time monitoring and targeted pest control, thus improving crop yields and reducing pesticide use. Additionally, the review addresses challenges such as data integration, technology accessibility, resistance management, and environmental concerns, and highlights prospects including advancements in technology, innovation in monitoring techniques, and the integration of biological control methods. By emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, this review underscores the importance of combining entomological knowledge with PA tools to develop more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. The integration of entomology into PA not only enhances pest management but also contributes to broader goals of environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive overview of how entomology can advance precision agriculture and foster sustainable food production systems.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on Soil Physico-chemical Properties in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Intercrop under Beul (Grewia optiva Drummond.) Based Agroforestry System and Open Condition

The raising human health hazards due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in India leads cancer patients. To overcome such problems there is need of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in our major crop wheat and further to improve soil fertility under agroforestry system. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to study the impact of INM on the physical and chemical properties of soil when wheat intercropped under Beul (Grewia optiva) based agroforestry system in the mid-hill region of Himachal Pradesh at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP (India). INM practices were applied to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing soil fertility, crop yield, and overall soil health. The experimental setup included various treatment combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers viz., T1: RDF, T2: FYM, T3: Vermicompost, T4: Goat manure, T5: 50% RDF+50% FYM, T6: 50% RDF+50% VC, T7: 50% RDF+50% GM, and T8: Control to determine their synergistic effects on the soil and cereal crop. These treatments were randomly assigned to plots under two planting conditions: S1 (under Beul based agroforestry system) and S2 (open condition), with three replications each, following in a factorial randomized block design (RBD). The key physical parameters such as bulk density (g/cm3), particle density (g/cm3), porosity (%), and soil moisture (%) were measured along with chemical properties of soil including soil pH, EC (dS/m1), organic carbon content (%), and nutrient availability of N, P and K in kg per hectare. The soil data of two consecutive years and pooled data were analyzed in R Statistical Software. The results demonstrated that INM significantly improved both the physical and chemical soil properties in agroforestry system as compared to control treatment i.e. open condition. The use of 100 % FYM found to be best treatment during the course of study among various treatments of INM for soil porosity, soil moisture, soil pH, available N, P and K. The soil structure and nutrient availability were increased in second year as compared to first year which will lead to improve the growth and yield of wheat crop. The study underscores the importance of adopting INM practices in agroforestry system to achieve sustainable agriculture as well as chemical free agriculture in hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh which will be helpful for human health. Thus, the use 100% FYM fertilizer is recommended for farmers in hilly area of Himachal Pradesh for sustainable agriculture and natural farming. The findings provide valuable insights for farmers and policymakers aiming to optimize crop production and maintain soil health in similar agro-ecological zones.

Detection of PCBs and OCPs in the Irtysh River Water (GC-MS/MS) and ecological risk assessment

This study optimized a gas chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method for the determination of 21 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Irtysh River water, including 14 organochlorines (OCPs) and 7 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Factors such as column temperature ramping, selection of qualitative and quantitative ion pairs and collision energy were considered to achieve perfect separation and accurate quantification of all 21 target compounds. The limits of detection (LOD) for PCBs and OCPs ranged from 0.21 to 1.18 ng/L. Applying this method to detect POPs in the Irtysh River revealed concentrations of OCPs ranging from ND to 20.2 ng/L and PCBs from ND to 0.411 ng/L. Source analysis indicated that POPs in the Irtysh River mainly originate from historical industrial and agricultural activities, particularly the deliberate use of pesticides. To ensure ecological safety and human health, expanding the range of target analytes and monitoring periods is necessary. This study provides:•Qualitative and quantitative analysis methods for 7 PCBs and 14 OCPs.•Recoveries achieved ranged between 74.6 to 109 % with RSD less than 15 %.•Analysis of sources, transport pathways, accumulation status, and ecological risks of PCBs and OCPs in the Irtysh River.

Pesticide Reduction through Organic Farming for Promoting Public Health Management and Food Security

There is a growing global interest in sustainable food consumption to ensure food security. One significant factor driving this demand is the belief that consuming organic food affects Public Health (PH). This research examines the historical context of sustainable agriculture. This article specifically examines the impact of sustainable agriculture on health-related substances, pesticide residues, and contaminants in crops. It also explores the connections between organic food and health indicators. In Organic Farming (OF), the use of pesticides is often restricted or non-existent, which is different from Traditional Farming (TF) methods that heavily depend on pesticides to preserve crops. The notable disparities in pesticide usage between the two agricultural systems profoundly affect the comparative nutritional exposure, hazards, and ecological impacts associated with pesticides. Pesticide Usage Monitoring (PUM) information has been used to compare pesticide usage across organically certified and adjacent traditional farms for tomato crops. This work suggested methods for PR by promoting the widespread use of organic agricultural techniques. Additionally, emphasis on many alternatives available within organic food supply chains to further minimize the usage of pesticides, contact, and adverse effects on workers has been proposed to provide food security.

Synthesis, insecticidal evaluation, crystal structure and theoretical calculations of nine/ten-membered carbon bridged neonicotinoid analogues

Neonicotinoid insecticides acting on the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) played an essential role in contemporary pest control. The development of pesticide resistance due to frequent pesticide use had made it increasingly difficult to control pests. In order to explore neonicotinoid insecticide with low cross-resistance and higher potency, larger carbon bridge compounds were constructed by introducing cyclohexanone and cycloheptene in accordance with our previous research. A series of novel neonicotinoid analogues with nine/ten-membered carbon bridge were designed and synthesized, which exhibited a range of insecticidal activities. The results indicated that some the target compounds showed good insecticidal activities against Bemisia tabaci and Aphis gossypii at 100 ppm. In particular, the activities of compounds A1 and A10 reached 90 % and 97 % respectively, which were similar to that of the control group. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were used to explain the differences in the insecticidal activities of compounds A10, A11, and A12 against Bemisia tabaci. The lowest LUMO energy (ELUMO) of compound A11 (-1.56 eV) might lead to its reduced insecticidal activities. The present study might be meaningful for directing the design of carbon bridged neonicotinoid analogues.

The humic acids influence on the quantity and quality of table grape varieties under the Absheron peninsula conditions

Humates are widely used in viticulture, including ecological viticulture. Humic stuffs benefit the qualitative and quantitative indicators of the grape harvest and can reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This article presents the results of tests on the foliar application of various doses of the “Rostok” fertilizer in the conditions of the Absheron zone of Azerbaijan on local varieties of table grapes – traditional Tabrizi and a selection variety of Scientific Research Institute of Viticulture and Wine-making Ganjavi, grown in the Ampelographic collection of the institute, located on the Absheron peninsula. Fertilizer was applied in three doses – 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5 liter per hectar. Under the influence of the fertilizer, such elements of yield as the vigor of shoot growth, the number of opened buds, fruitful shoots, the number of berries in a bunch, the weight of a bunch, as well as the sugar content of berry juice increased. Fertilizer application had a positive effect on eliminating signs of leaf chlorosis. No toxic effect on the vegetative organs of the grape plant, on its development, or on the beneficial insect fauna of the vineyard was noted. Based on the data obtained, as well as calculations of economic efficiency, a four-fold application of fertilizer (twice before flowering, once after, once during veraison) at the rate of 1 liter per hectare was recommended for widespread use in wine-growing farms.

Biocontrol of rusted root rot in Panax ginseng by a combination of extracts from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YY8 crude protein and Enterobacteriaceae YY115 ethyl acetate

BackgroundRusted root rot is one of the most common root diseases in Panax ginseng, and Cylindrocarpon destructans is one of the main pathogenic fungus. The objective of this study was to screen and explore the extracts of biocontrol bacteria isolated from ginseng rhizosphere soil against Cylindrocarpon destructans.ResultsBacterial strains Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YY8 and Enterobacteriacea YY115 were isolated and found to exhibit in vitro antifungal activity against C. destructans. A combination of crude protein extract from B. amyloliquefaciens YY8 and ethyl acetate extract from Enterobacteriacea YY115 in a 6:4 ratio exhibited the strongest antifungal activity against C. destructans. Measurements of electrical conductivity, protein content, and nucleic acid content in suspension cultures of C. destructans treated with a mixture extracts indicated that the extracts disrupted the cell membranes of rusted root rot mycelia, resulting in the leakage of electrolytes, proteins, and nucleic acids from the cells, and ultimately inhibiting the growth of C. destructans. The combined extracts suppressed the infection of ginseng roots discs by C. destructans effectively.ConclusionThe extracts obtained from the two bacterial strains effectively inhibited C. destructans in P. ginseng. It can provide scientific basis for the development of new biological control pesticides, reduce the use of chemical pesticides, and promote the sustainable development of agriculture.

DAMPAK PENGGUNAAN PESTISIDA DALAM KEGIATAN PERTANIAN TERHADAP LINGKUNGAN HIDUP DAN KESEHATAN

Pesticides are chemicals whose use is close to human life. Agricultural systems based on high energy input materials such as chemical pesticides can cause environmental pollution, especially the agricultural environment. Inappropriate use of pesticides endangers the health of farmers, consumers, and non-target microorganisms and has an impact on environmental pollution both soil and water. Data collection techniques with secondary data collection methods, where the author collects 10 articles and then processes the data into new data. The results showed that when the behavior and use of pesticides were classified as good criteria with a score of 65.9%, the environmental impact was also classified as good criteria. The impact of the use of pesticides found in farmers is in the form of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, itching on the skin. Of the 100 samples, most of them, 75%, experienced these health problems. The impact of using pesticides in agricultural activities on the environment and health can have good and bad effects depending on how the attitudes and behavior of farmers in using pesticides. Excessive use of pesticides, not in accordance with applicable regulations will cause pollution to the environment (soil pollution, water pollution and wild organisms and animals) and health problems that interfere with the physical condition of the farmers themselves such as dizziness, nausea and others, this is due to farmers who tend not to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with pesticides

Farmers’ pesticide use and knowledge of aquatic ecosystem contamination with its perceived health risk from contaminated fish consumption in northern Ghana

Pesticide residues in agricultural environments pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Most studies investigate the quantity, environmental, and risk assessment of pesticides in agricultural landscapes. However, farmers’ pesticide use and their knowledge on aquatic ecosystem contamination remain limited and poorly documented. This study evaluated pesticide residue concerns in agricultural settings, focusing on farmers’ uses and knowledge. It addressed pesticide application methods and their effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health through fish consumption. A cross-sectional design was employed and 300 farmers were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique from two agricultural districts – Savelugu Municipal and Tamale Metropolis. The study revealed that maize was most cultivated (29.6 %) with extensive pesticide treatment, particularly herbicides in the study setting. Findings revealed pesticide overuse (22.3 %), mixing of pesticides at the water bodies (24.7 %), improper leftover pesticide disposal methods (39.0 %) and inadequate storage practices (63.0 %) among farmers. About 21.3 % and 74.0 % of farmers have insufficient knowledge of the resulting consequences and the discharge of pesticides into the aquatic environment, respectively. Though the farmers are aware of the detrimental impact of pesticides on human health, there is still a lack of comprehension regarding the indirect consequences for aquatic ecosystems and non-target species. In the study setting, extension services may be important sources of knowledge. Thus, emphasizes the significance of improving extension programmes and utilizing peer-to-peer communication channels to support the adoption of best practices in pesticide management such as licenced high-temperature incinerators and cement kilns with sufficient emission controls. Focused training and outreach programmes designed to enhance farmers' knowledge and implementation of pesticide management plans are urgently needed. These interventions would help in reducing the dangers of pollution to aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Protocol for pesticide residue monitoring and risk assessment on water, sediment, and fish: A case study of two selected reservoirs in Ghana

BackgroundAfrica is experiencing a significant surge in the use of pesticides on farms. Though the use of pesticide products on farms is increasing rapidly, the ability to monitor and regulate the practice has not kept pace. Despite their potential significance, the health and environmental impacts of the growing pesticide usage in developing nations remain inadequately comprehended and recorded. ObjectiveThis paper presents a research protocol for a study that seeks to provide criteria for future monitoring of pesticide residues in aquatic environments and food sources. This study aims to evaluate pesticide utilisation methods and the potential hazards of pesticide residues in aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the study seeks to assess the human health risks linked to pesticide applications. MethodsThis study will employ a quantitative approach and cross-sectional design. It will utilise a combination of survey and the collection of biological and environmental samples. Our methodology consists of four distinct steps. These outline the processes for studying pesticide residue in environmental and fish samples. Additionally, we plan to employ mathematical algorithms to evaluate the ecological and health risks associated with these pesticide residues. ConclusionThis study is an effort to monitor and assess the hazards to the environment and human well-being associated with the increasing utilisation of pesticides. It also aims to gather relevant data on pesticide utilisation practices that contribute to the contamination of aquatic ecosystems. It will specifically focus on determining the concentration of pesticide residues in both biological and environmental samples. Additionally, the study will assess the ecological and health risks associated with these pesticide residues. This will enable the incorporation of organised research efforts and coordinated pesticide surveillance operations for toxicovigilance.

A conceptual framework for landscape-based environmental risk assessment (ERA) of pesticides

While pesticide use is subject to strict regulatory oversight worldwide, it remains a main concern for environmental protection, including biodiversity conservation. This is partly due to the current regulatory approach that relies on separate assessments for each single pesticide, crop use, and non-target organism group at local scales. Such assessments tend to overlook the combined effects of overall pesticide usage at larger spatial scales. Integrative landscape-based approaches are emerging, enabling the consideration of agricultural management, the environmental characteristics, and the combined effects of pesticides applied in a same or in different crops within an area. These developments offer the opportunity to deliver informative risk predictions relevant for different decision contexts including their connection to larger spatial scales and to combine environmental risks of pesticides, with those from other environmental stressors. We discuss the needs, challenges, opportunities and available tools for implementing landscape-based approaches for prospective and retrospective pesticide Environmental Risk Assessments (ERA). A set of “building blocks” that emerged from the discussions have been integrated into a conceptual framework. The framework includes elements to facilitate its implementation, in particular: flexibility to address the needs of relevant users and stakeholders; means to address the inherent complexity of environmental systems; connections to make use of and integrate data derived from monitoring programs; and options for validation and approaches to facilitate future use in a regulatory context. The conceptual model can be applied to existing ERA methodologies, facilitating its comparability, and highlighting interoperability drivers at landscape level. The benefits of landscape-based pesticide ERA extend beyond regulation. Linking and validating risk predictions with relevant environmental impacts under a solid science-based approach will support the setting of protection goals and the formulation of sustainable agricultural strategies. Moreover, landscape ERA offers a communication tool on realistic pesticide impacts in a multistressors environment for stakeholders and citizens.

Effects of the insecticide acetamiprid and the fungicide azoxystrobin on locomotion activity and mushroom bodies of solitary bee Centris analis

Pesticide use is a major factor contributing to the global decline in bee populations. Sublethal effects, such as behavior alterations, are neglected in pesticide regulation for pollinators. However, these effects can bring important information to understanding the impacts of pesticides on bees' daily activities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the insecticide acetamiprid (7 ng/μL) and the fungicide azoxystrobin (10 ng/μL) on the behavior of the Neotropical solitary bee Centris analis. Female and male bees were exposed to these chemicals continuously for 48 h, followed by an additional 48 h without contaminated food, totaling 96 h of observation. We used five experimental groups: control, solvent control, insecticide, fungicide, and pesticide mixture (insecticide + fungicide). Behavioral alterations based on locomotion and light response were assessed by video tracking at 48 (end of pesticide exposure) and 96 h (end of bioassay). In addition, after recording bees at 96 h, the individuals were anesthetized for brain collection and histological evaluation of mushroom bodies to evaluate if pesticides can damage their neurons and impair the cognitive processes and responses of bees to sensory stimuli. Bees exposed to acetamiprid and pesticide mixture showed lethargic movements and impaired locomotion at 48 h. Notably, these behavioral effects were no longer evident after the bees consumed uncontaminated food for an additional 48 h, totaling 96 h from the start of pesticide exposure. Only fungicide exposure did not result in any behavioral or brain histological changes. Therefore, our study showed that acetamiprid at an estimated residual concentration, despite being classified as having low toxicity for bees, can cause significant initial locomotion disruption in solitary bees. These findings highlight the importance of considering sublethal effects in environmental risk assessment.

How pollinator dependence may mediate farmer adoption of pollinator supporting practices and perceptions: a case study from western France

There is limited knowledge on why farmers adopt pollinator-supporting practices, which is crucial to stimulate their adoption. The dependence of farmers on pollination may influence their perception of pollinators and their willingness to adopt these practices. We addressed why farmers adopt pollinator-supporting practices using a 2011 survey conducted within a cereal plain in western France, where farmers were moderately dependent on pollination for crops like oilseed rape and sunflower. We assessed the factors influencing the adoption of practices to promote pollination, including pollination dependence. We found no effect for pollination dependence. Conversely, we found that farm size, pesticide use, advisory services and the perception of costs decreased the willingness to adopt, while older farmers were more incline to adopt. We also evaluated perceptions related to pollinators: more than 85% of farmers considered bees important for crop production and recognized pesticides as a major cause of decline. We found no effect of pollination dependence on farmers’ perceptions. Compared to similar studies over the past decade, we found similarities, particularly regarding pollinator-related perceptions. Finally, we compared the willingness to adopt in 2011 with the actual adoption in 2024, showing that there has been little change. This raises questions on the pathways to promote the adoption of pollinator-supporting practices to ensure for the future of pollinator conservation.

High levels of anxiety and depression in women farmers from Ecuador: A cross-section study in Coastal and Highlands regions.

Previous studies have shown that women farmers are particularly vulnerable to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in women farmers from Ecuador Coastal and Highlands regions. General Anxiety Disorder‑7 (GAD‑7) and Patient Health Questionnaire‑9 (PHQ‑9) were applied. In addition, self-reported number of children, days off, hours of work, pesticide use, sleep habits and years of work in agriculture, were also collected. This cross-sectional study occurred during 2023 with 443 women, for Coastal (197) and Highlands (246), respectively. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were performed to obtained adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). 34.5% of Coastal women had depression, while 27.2% of Highlands women had depression. 20.3% of coastal women farmers had anxiety, while in the Highlands 24.8% had anxiety. Coastal mestizo and montubio women exhibited lower probability of depression, but this was not significant in the Highlands. Coastal women farmers that did not have children showed lower odds of depression (aOR 0.05, 95% CI [0.01, 0.34]). A lower likelihood of depression was observed in coastal women that worked more than 8 hours (aOR 0.22, 95% CI [0.07, 0.72]). Women from the Highlands that had shortened sleep duration exhibited lower odds of depression and anxiety. A higher proportion of depressed women farmers was observed in the Coast region and slightly higher numbers of anxiety cases in the Highlands. The number of children may cause workload and is correlated with depression in Coastal women.

Fungal-mediated synthesis of copper nanoparticles for effective management of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

Meeting the escalating demand for food presents a challenge, necessitating the inevitable use of chemical pesticides to ensure a sufficient level of food production. However, these pesticides, have drawbacks and can adversely affect non-target organisms and the environment. Nanoparticles for disease management offer a powerful solution, bringing numerous benefits such as enhanced efficacy, minimized pesticide use, reduced impact on the environment, etc. In the present study, the supernatant of two fungi, Fusarium verticillioides and Bipolaris maydis were used for copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesis. A 5 mM CuSO4 solution was used as a precursor and the reaction was carried out at an optimized pH of 8.5 in dark conditions.The shift in the reaction mixture's colour from light blue to yellowish-green and reddish-brown with F. verticillioides and B. maydis supernatant, respectively, preliminarily confirmed particle size reduction. Characterization of fungal-mediated synthesized CuNPs (FM-CuNPs) using transmission electron microscope measured the size of 8.62-52 nm and 27.96 to 65 nm by employing F. verticillioides and B.maydis, respectively, with a spherical shape. Dynamic light scattering measured the hydrodynamic size of FM-CuNPs 141.8 nm and 170.2 nm with zeta potential of -19.5 mV and -22.5 mV, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups such as amines, amides, and OH groups speculated to have a pivotal role in the reduction and stabilization of particle. Additionally, the in vitro evaluation efficacy of FM-CuNPs against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae exhibited a significant inhibition zone starting from 100 microgram ml (1.70 cm) as compared to control. The study demonstrates the -1 remarkable efficacy of FM-CuNPs synthesized for the first time using two aforesaid fungal species. . KEYWORDS :Bipolaris maydis, CuNPs, Fusarium verticillioides, Management, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae

Identification of Indigenous Bacterial Strains from Thai Agricultural Fields for Potential Bioremediation of Carbofuran

This study explored the bioremediation potential of indigenous soil bacteria for carbofuran-contaminated agricultural areas. Twenty soil samples from regions with a history of pesticide use in Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom provinces, Thailand, were collected. Five bacterial strains capable of degrading carbofuran were isolated and subjected to cell morphology and biochemical analyses. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences identified these strains as related to Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas species. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis confirmed the complete degradation of carbofuran within 3 days, reducing its concentration from 0.05 mg/mL to below detectable limits. These bacteria could use carbofuran as their sole carbon source, demonstrating their potential for bioremediation of contaminated soils. Given their resilience and ability to thrive in natural environmental conditions, these indigenous strains are well-suited for in-situ degradation of pollutants. The findings indicate that these isolated soil bacteria present a promising method for reducing the environmental risks associated with carbofuran contamination.

Adoption status of integrated pest management (IPM) practices among vegetable growers of Lamjung district of Nepal

The widespread use of highly toxic pesticides for agricultural purposes has raised concerns about their hazardous impact on both human health and the environment. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a strategy designed to tackle pest problems and reduce pesticide use, with the aim of protecting both human health and the environment. This study was conducted in Besishahar, Sundarbazar, Rainas, and Madhyenepal municipalities of the Lamjung district of Nepal in the year 2023 with a sample of 100 vegetable-growing farmers to assess the adoption of IPM practices in vegetable cultivation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data, and the logit model was used to identify the factors affecting the adoption of IPM practices in vegetable cultivation among farmers. Respondents were grouped into two categories, adopter and non-adopter, based on the extent of adoption of IPM practices. The findings revealed that only 37 % of the total respondents adopted IPM practices for vegetable cultivation. The easy availability of chemical pesticides and lack of bio-pesticides were the major constraints for the adoption of IPM practices in the study area. The output of the binary logit model indicated that greater participation in training, higher education levels, and increased contact with extension agents significantly influence the adoption of IPM practices in vegetable cultivation. The findings could be used to formulate better policies towards increasing the adoption of sustainable approaches in agriculture and regulation.

Seasonal Variability of Pesticide Residues in Vellode Bird Sanctuary: Implications for Ecosystem Health

This research provides a comprehensive examination of the seasonal fluctuations in pesticide residues within the Vellode Bird Sanctuary, with a particular emphasis on the detection and quantification of organochlorines, organophosphates, synthetic pyrethroids, and herbicides in the sanctuary's aquatic environment. The pesticide analysis was conducted from July 2019 to May 2020. This study period spanned three seasons: monsoon, winter, and summer. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) from Perkin Elmer was used to analyze the pesticide residues in lake water. The pesticide analysis showed that aldrin, α-cypermethrin, α-HCH, β-HCH, bifenthrin, butachlor, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, endosulfan-α, γ-HCH, pendimethalin, phorate, profenophos, p,p'-DDT, and quinalphos were recorded at higher levels during the monsoon season. The values of pesticide residues in the winter and summer seasons were below the level of detectable quantification (less than 0.5 μg/l). The study shows that increased pesticide concentrations during the monsoon are due to runoff from nearby agricultural fields caused by heavy rainfall. In contrast, lower pesticide levels in winter and summer are likely due to reduced pesticide use and rainfall. These findings highlight the significant impact of seasonal variations on pesticide contamination, with greater ecological risks during the monsoon. The sanctuary's aquatic ecosystem is particularly vulnerable during periods of high rainfall, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation and management strategies.

Agricultural Health and Safety: Evaluating Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Safety Behavior in Northern Thailand

BackgroundAgriculture is vital for economic growth and livelihoods in northern Thailand, yet it is challenged by hazardous practices such as improper chemical use and machinery accidents. This study aimed to evaluate the risk and determine the relationship between pesticide exposure and knowledge, attitudes, and safety behaviors. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2017 in the San Pa Tong district of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with 280 farmers. ResultsThe findings indicated that knowledge and safety behavior scores varied significantly with educational attainment and training received. Farmers with higher education levels or those who had undergone training exhibited better knowledge and safer behavioral practices, whereas income levels did not significantly affect knowledge or safety behaviors. The pesticide exposure risk level was associated with the study variables, with those recognizing a ‘normal’ risk level demonstrating greater knowledge and safer behaviors than those who reported the risk level as safe or at risk. A strong positive correlation between knowledge and safety behavior was observed, indicating that increased awareness can result in more cautious practices. These findings suggest that educational and training programs are crucial for promoting safer pesticide use among farmers. Although attitudes toward pesticide safety varied based on income, education, and training positively influenced knowledge and behavior. ConclusionThe study concludes that understanding farmers’ perceptions of pesticide risks is essential for designing and implementing effective educational interventions.