Photolytic versus microbial degradation of clomazone in a flooded California rice field soil

BACKGROUND: Clomazone is a popular herbicide used on California rice fields and exhibits rapid anaerobic microbial degradation (t_1/2 = 7.9 days). To test the potential of direct and indirect photolytic degradation as a cofactor in the overall degradation rate, sacrificial time‐series microcosms were amended with water, non‐sterilized soil + water and sterilized soil + water. Clomazone was added to each microcosm, which was then exposed to natural and artificial sunlight over 35 days. Water and acetonitrile extracts were analyzed for clomazone and metabolites via LC/MS/MS. RESULTS: The calculated pseudo‐first‐order degradation rate constants (k) were k_water = 0–0.005 ± 0.003 day^?1, k_sterile = 0–0.005 ± 0.003 day^?1 and k_non?sterile = 0.010 ± 0.002–0.044 ± 0.007 day^?1, depending on light type. The formation of ring‐open clomazone, a microbial metabolite, correlated with clomazone degradation. Trace amounts of 5‐hydroxyclomazone (m/z = 256 → 125), aromatic hydroxyclomazone (m/z = 256 → 141) and an unknown product (m/z = 268 → 125) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The photolytic degradation rate depends on both light type and the quality of the chromophores that induce indirect photolysis. Microbial degradation was found to be sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Overall, microbes are shown to be more detrimental to the environmental fate of clomazone than photolysis. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Ovipositional preference and life history parameters of Lixus incanescens (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on selected sugar beet cultivars

Ovipositional preference and life history parameters of Lixus incanescens were studied on six sugar beet cultivars: Ardabili, Aras, Persia, Flores, Laetitia and Rosire. In both no-choice and free-choice tests, females of L. incanescens laid fewer eggs on Persia and Laetitia compared with Ardabili, Aras, Flores and Rosire. In performance experiments, the pre-imaginal stages developed slower and survived lower on Persia and Laetitia than on Ardabili, Aras and Flores. The intrinsic rate of natural increase and the population growth rate were lowest on Persia (r_m = 0.126 day^?1 and λ = 1.134 day^?1) among the tested cultivars. Petiole diameter and length were positively correlated with pre-imaginal survival rate (r² = 0.96 and r² = 0.98, respectively); therefore, thinner and shorter petioles in Persia and Laetitia led to an increased pre-imaginal mortality. These results suggest that Persia and Laetitia express promising traits that can be an integral component of sugar beet breeding for resistance to L. incanescens.     

Attract‐and‐kill: a new strategy for the management of the potato tuber moths Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) and Symmetrischema tangolias (Gyen) in potato: laboratory experiments towards optimising pheromone and insecticide concentration

BACKGROUND: Sex pheromones of the potato tuber moths Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) and Symmetrischema tangolias (Gyen) are ideal tools to monitor pest flight activity but are not used as means of control. The aim of the present study was to test the suitability of an attract‐and‐kill strategy consisting of pure pheromones and the contact insecticide cyfluthrin as the active ingredient, formulated with plant oils and ultraviolet absorbers, and applied in droplet sizes of 100 µL. RESULTS: Cyfluthrin at a concentration of 5 g L^?1 resulted in the highest and fastest killing of males after 48 h, with a 100% mortality after 3–4 days. In contrast, control males survived for 13 days. In olfactometer experiments, the pheromone concentration of 0.5 g L^?1 was significantly most attractive against eight virgin females. At controlled conditions (20 °C), no reduction in efficacy of the attract‐and‐kill formulation was observed for a minimum period of 36 days, whereas under natural environmental conditions the efficacy reduced gradually after day 6 of exposure. The longer the droplet was exposed, the longer was the time to reach 100% mortality of males. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with attract‐and‐kill studies for other pest species, the results are promising as a means of achieving highly effective control of potato tuber moths under field conditions. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Near‐field air concentrations of pesticides in potato agriculture in Prince Edward Island

BACKGROUND: Pesticides in air have become of increasing concern in recent years. This study examined downwind air concentrations of carbofuran, methamidophos, mancozeb and diquat dibromide resulting from spray drift within 24 h of application, within 100 m of potato fields. RESULTS: Concentrations ranged from less than 0.05 µg m^?3 in prespray samples to 6.37 µg m^?3 for methamidophos at 3 h post‐spray. For most applications, air concentrations decreased with distance from the field and with time after application. Methamidophos concentrations in the air downwind continued to increase up to 3 h after spray. Air concentrations during spray were positively correlated with application rate (r = 0.904), and air concentrations at 1 h and 3 h post‐spray were positively correlated with vapour pressure (r = 1.000 and r = 0.999 respectively). Carbofuran, methamidophos and diquat dibromide concentrations during spray were above some Canadian and international health protection guidelines. CONCLUSION: Although pesticide air concentrations measured in this study are generally consistent with other studies, maximum concentrations are greater than those that have been measured elsewhere, and some are above published air quality guidelines. An evaluation of the degree of risk posed by these and other pest control products to human and wildlife receptors is recommended. Copyright © 2009 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Demography and population projection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myzus persicae</Emphasis> (Sulz.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on five pepper (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsicum annuum</Emphasis> L.) cultivars

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major pest of pepper. In this study, we collected data on the development, survival, fecundity, and proportion of apterous and alate forms of green peach aphid reared on five commercial pepper cultivars (Amiral, Erciyes, Mert, Mertcan, and Naz) at 25?±?1°C, 60?±?5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. We analyzed the life history raw data by using the age-stage, two-sex life table. The shortest development time (6.66 days) and highest fecundity (62.68 individuals) occurred on the Erciyes cultivar. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r?=?0.332 d^?1), finite rate of increase (λ?=?1.394 d^?1), net reproductive rate (R₀?=?62.7 offspring) and shortest mean generation time (T?=?12.45 d) also occurred on the Erciyes cultivar; while the lower fitness occurred on the Amiral, Mertcan and Naz cultivars. Our results compared differences in the population growth rate of M. persicae on different pepper cultivars. This information will be useful to individuals working in pest management programs particularly those involving M. persicae.     

Photosynthetic capacity of intact leaves of resistant and susceptible cultivars of Brassica napus L. to atrazine

The rate of photosynthesis in intact leaves attached to plants of an atrazine-resistant cultivar of Brassica napus L. was compared with that in leaves of an atrazine-susceptible, rather isogenic cultivar, in a number of irradiance series. The resistant cultivar had been obtained from the susceptible cultivar by crossing the resistant biotype of Brassica campestris L. with the susceptible cultivar of B. napus, and using the fourth back-cross for comparison. At a natural CO₂ concentration (360 cm³ m^?3) the rate of photosynthesis of leaves of the atrazine-resistant cultivar was significantly (17–21%) less than that of leaves of the susceptible cultivar, over the whole range of irradiances up to 250 W m^?2 At the enriched CO₂ concentration of 1500 cm^?3 m^?3 this reduction in rate amounted to 9–12%.     

The importance of reduced light intensity on the growth and development of six weed species

Crops limit light for photosynthesis and growth of weeds. We studied the effect of reduced light on performance of six weed species [one invasive species (Amsinckia micrantha), three common species (Veronica persica, Capsella bursa‐pastoris, Viola arvensis) and two less common weeds (Anagallis arvensis and Scleranthus annuus)]. In two glasshouse experiments, six light levels were achieved aiming at 0%, 20%, 50%, 80%, 90% and 95% reduction of light and corresponding with daily light integrals (DLI) of 12.4, 9.63, 7.13, 2.74, 0.95 and 0.69 mol m^?2 day^?1 in experiment 1 and 21.2, 18.0, 10.7, 3.71, 1.64 and 1.20 mol m^?2 day^?1 in experiment 2. The number of leaves was strictly controlled by DLI. Chlorophyll content index, maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (F_v/F_m), stomatal conductance, flowering and dry matter were strongly reduced when DLI was reduced to 0.69–3.71 mol m^?2 day^?1 for all species. Threshold DLI for flowering was ca. 3.71 mol m^?2 day^?1 for S. annuus, V. arvensis, A. arvensis and V. persica, while C. bursa‐pastoris deviated by flowering at DLI of 0.95 mol m^?2 day^?1. This may explain why C. bursa‐pastoris is common in the seedbank of Danish arable soils in spite of intensive farming with well‐fertilised and dense crops.     

The effect of some cucumber cultivars on the biology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aphis gossypii</Emphasis> Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The development, reproduction, and population growth parameters of cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), were studied on three different Cucumis sativus cultivars (Beith Alpha Bal?kesir, B.T. Bursaalpha, Beith Alpha MR,) under controlled conditions (25?±?1 °C, 65?±?5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Life table parameters were estimated according to age-stage, two-sex life table method. Results indicated that the Bt Bal?kesir are favorable hosts for A. gossypii because of the shorter preadult developmental time, lower preadult mortality rate, and higher total fecundity on this cultivar. The intrinsic rate of increase (r?=?0.4214 d^-1), the net reproduction rate (R₀?=?51.80 offspring), and the finite rate of increase (λ?=?1.5242 d^-1) values were higher on the Bt Bal?kesir. The effect of cucumber cultivars on the biology of A. gossypii was determined as significant and it was found that cv. Bt Bal?kesir was the most convenient cucumber cultivar in terms of the life cycle of A. gossypii. For an ecological and economic pest control, against aphids use of resistant or less favourable crop cultivars is considered one of the important components of integrated pest management. Therefore, results acquired might be used in pest management program that will be prepared for this aphid.     

Development of semiochemical attractants for monitoring bean seed beetle, Bruchus rufimanus

BACKGROUND: Bruchus rufimanus is a serious pest of field beans. The objective here was to develop a semiochemical‐baited trapping system to facilitate monitoring of the pest. RESULTS: Volatile compounds that were electrophysiologically active with the antennae of B. rufimanus females were identified from headspace samples of Vicia faba flowers and from male B. rufimanus. Selected headspace samples and synthetic compounds were tested in olfactometer bioassays. The semiochemicals were then formulated in lures for traps and evaluated in a field trapping experiment. Cone traps baited with a three‐component blend of floral volatiles, releasing (R)‐linalool (17.7 mg day^?1), cinnamyl alcohol (0.4 mg day^?1) and cinnamaldehyde (0.77 mg day^?1), caught significantly more of both sexes of B. rufimanus than unbaited control traps. A male volatile, 1‐undecene, was EAG active with female antennae. It was attractive to females in an olfactometer, indicating that it is a sex pheromone. However, in the field it only enhanced trap catches if it was released together with the floral volatiles. CONCLUSION: The blends of semiochemicals identified were shown to be attractive in cone traps under field conditions. The prototype trapping system developed could be used as a monitoring tool to determine infestation levels of B. rufimanus in bean fields. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Developmental studies of transgenic maize expressing Cry1Ab on the African stem borer, Busseola fusca; effects on midgut cellular structure

BACKGROUND: Busseola fusca is a major pest of maize in Africa but unfortunately is difficult to control using chemical insecticides. Insect‐resistant transgenic crops may provide an alternative viable strategy to control this pest. RESULTS: Recombinant Cry1Ab (1%) reduced larval weight by 60% over the trial period, while larval weight in the control group increased by 25%; no effects on mortality were observed. Insect survival, developmental rate and pupal and adult weight were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) on maize expressing Cry1Ab (MON810) compared with the non‐transformed parental line. These differences were more pronounced with second‐instar larvae than with third‐instar larvae. Leaf area consumed by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)‐fed larvae was significantly lower (0.5 cm² larva^?1 day^?1) compared with the area consumed by control‐fed insects (3.3 cm² larva^?1 day^?1). EM studies revealed that consumption of Bt maize deleteriously affected gut integrity. Effects were observed in columnar cells of the midgut epithelium, with the cytoplasm becoming highly vacuolated; the microvilli were disorganised, the mitochondria were abnormal and there was an increase in the number of lysosomal bodies. The rough endoplasmic reticulum had also become dilated. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the potential for Bt maize, when used as part of an IPM programme, for control of B. fusca. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Residual toxicity and sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on Plutella xylostella (lepidoptera: plutellidae)

BACKGROUND: The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), is the most important pest of cruciferous vegetables in the world. Chlorantraniliprole is a novel anthranilic diamide insecticide registered for the control of lepidopteran pests. The dose response, residual toxicity and sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole applied for 48 h at LC₁₀ (0.02 mg L^?1) and LC₂₅ (0.06 mg L^?1) on P. xylostella were investigated. RESULTS: Leaf‐dip bioassays showed that chlorantraniliprole had a high level of toxicity against larvae of P. xylostella, and the 48 h LC₅₀ values were 0.23 and 0.25 mg L^?1 for a susceptible and field strain respectively. Chlorantraniliprole also had a long‐lasting effect when the larvae were exposed to chlorantraniliprole field sprayed on radish seedlings. Sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole were indicated by reduced pupation, pupal weight and adult emergence rates. There was also an increase in the duration of female preoviposition period, decreased fecundity and egg hatch and decreased survival rates of the offspring. The mean values of the net reproductive rate (R₀), intrinsic rate of increase (r_m), finite rate of increase (λ) were significantly lower in the treatment than in control groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that chlorantraniliprole is effective against P. xylostella. The sublethal concentrations of chlorantraniliprole may reduce the population growth of P. xylostella by decreasing its survival and reproduction, and by delaying its development. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Life tables of Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on different cultivated plants

Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a cosmopolitan species that feeds on numerous cultivated plants and herbaceaus plants. Agrotis ipsilon causes significant economic losses in various agricultural products, especially in indisturial plants and vegetables in Turkey and worldwide. In this study, the effects on the biology and reproductive potential of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., Asteraceae), maize (Zea mays L., Poaceae), sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris var. saccharifera Alef.,Amaranthaceae) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L., Solanaceae) which are essential host plants of A. ipsilon were investigated under climatized conditions of 28?±?1 °C, 60%?±?10 r.h., and 16 h daily artificial light. The data obtained were analyzed by using an age-stage two-sex life table. Agrotis ipsilon had five larval stages fed on lettuce, whereas seven larval stages were fed on other host plants. Agrotis ipsilon showed the best development and reproduction on lettuce, followed by sugar beet. When A. ipsilon is reared on lettuce the intrinsic rate of increase (r?=?0.1237 d^?1), finite rate of increase (λ?=?1.1317 d^?1) and net reproductive rate (R₀?=?403.06 offspring/individual) were found higher and the mean generation times (T?=?48.51 d) is shorter than those in other host plants. According to these results, A. ipsilon can cause the most damage to lettuce among studied plants.

     

Competitive interactions in mixtures of broccoli and Chenopodium album grown at two UV-B radiation levels under glasshouse conditions

Ultraviolet-B radiation effects on intra- and interspecific competition in broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and Chenopodium album were studied using bivariate factorial experiments. A randomized block design was used in which three monoculture densities for each species [144 (low), 256 (medium), and 400 (high) plants m⁻²] and all binary combinations were grown in a glasshouse at two (4 and 7 kJ m⁻² day⁻¹) UV-B_BE radiation levels for 4 weeks in 1999 and 5 weeks in 2000. Inverse yield–density relationships were more discernible at 4, compared with 7 kJ m⁻² day⁻¹ UV-B_BE radiation. Substitution rates, indicating the balance of intra- to interspecific competitive effects, declined for broccoli at 7, compared with 4 kJ m⁻² day⁻¹ UV-B_BE radiation, largely because of reduced interspecific competitive influences. Conversely, substitution rates increased for C. album grown at 7 kJ m⁻² day⁻¹ UV-B_BE radiation, as a result of both decreased intraspecific and increased interspecific competition. Interspecific competitive effects were influenced more than intraspecific competitive effects by UV-B radiation. Based on relative magnitude of substitution rates, C. album was a stronger competitor than broccoli at 4 kJ m⁻² day⁻¹ UV-B_BE radiation in both years, and at 7 kJ m⁻² day⁻¹ UV-B_BE radiation in 1999. In 2000, broccoli was the stronger competitor at 7 kJ m⁻² day⁻¹ UV-B_BE radiation. Overall, the relative competitiveness of broccoli was enhanced, while that of C. album diminished at 7, compared with 4 kJ m⁻² day⁻¹ UV-B_BE radiation. These findings indicate that above-ambient UV-B radiation has the potential to alter crop–weed competitive interactions, which could change acceptable weed threshold levels.     

Effect of apple cultivar and of temperature on the biology and life table parameters of the twospotted spider mite<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetranychus urticae</Emphasis>

Development duration and reproduction rate of the twospotted spider miteTetranychus urticae Koch (Acarina: Tetranychidae) were studied on five different apple cultivars (‘Amasya’ (local cultivar), ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Starking Delicious’ and ‘Starkrimson Delicious’) at 25°C, 65±10% r.h. and 16:8 L:D. In addition, the same parameters were determined on Golden Delicious leaves at three constant temperatures (20°, 30° and 35°C, 65±10% r.h. and 16:8 L:D) in the laboratory.T. urticae performed better on Granny Smith than on the other cultivars, due mainly to high daily egg production (4.6 eggs/♀/day) and the intrinsic rate of natural increase (r _m , which was 0.243 ♀/♀/day). The lowestr _m was observed on Amasya variety (0.231 ♀/♀/day). Development periods of immature stages ofT. urticae varied from 6.5 to 15.5 days at 35° and 20°C, respectively, for females, and from 5.9 to 14.5 days at 35° and 20°C, respectively, for males. The development thresholds of the eggs and pre-adult stages, respectively, were 10.78° and 8.43°C, and total effective temperatures were 57.80 and 172.41 degree-days. Mean generation time (T _o ) of the population ranged from 9.94 days at 35°C to 25.99 days at 20°C. The net reproduction rate increased from 66.99 ♀/♀ at 20°C to 92.19 ♀/♀ at 25°C, and decreased to 84.34 ♀/♀ at 30°C and to 12.04 ♀/♀ at 35°C. The highest r _m occurred at 30°C (0.302 ♀/♀/day) and the lowest at 20°C (0.161 ♀/♀/day). http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Dec. 19, 2003.     

Life history performance of Aphis gossypii Glover (Aphididae) on seven cucumber cultivars

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Aphididae) is an important pest of indoor and outdoor cucumber crops in Iran. We studied the life history performance of A. gossypii on seven cucumber cultivars (Negin, Pierro, Davos II, Royal safa, Dominus (Ps), Super pretty and TN-94-203) at 27 ± 1 ºC, 50% ± 10% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. The developmental time for the nymphal stages ranged from 4.27 days on Pierro to 4.47 days on Negin, but differences among cultivars were not statistically significant. The lowest and highest survival rates for immature stages were 68.33% and 95% on Royal safa and TN-94-203, respectively. The total fecundity of A. gossypii significantly differed among cultivars, being the highest on Pierro (44.66 nymphs/female) and the lowest on Dominus (Ps) (69.89 nymphs/female). The lowest intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m) was obtained on Negin, and the highest on Super pretty. The generation time (T) was shortest on Pierro (7.41 days) and longest on Negin (8.32 days). According to our results, Super pretty and Negin were partially susceptible and resistant to A. gossypii, respectively. The findings of this study provide direction to design a more comprehensive integrated pest management program for this pest.     

Evaluation of different methods for the characterization of carrot resistance to the alternaria leaf blight pathogen (Alternaria dauci) revealed two qualitatively different resistances

Alternaria leaf blight (ALB), caused by Alternaria dauci, is one of the most damaging foliar diseases of carrot worldwide. The aim of this study was to compare different methods for evaluating levels of carrot resistance to ALB. Three techniques were investigated by comparison with a visual disease assessment control: in vivo conidial germination, a bioassay based on a drop‐inoculation method, and in planta quantification of fungal biomass by quantitative PCR (Q‐PCR). Three carrot cultivars showing different degrees of resistance to A. dauci were used, i.e. a susceptible cultivar (Presto) and two partially resistant genotypes (Texto and Bolero), challenged with an aggressive or a very aggressive isolate of A. dauci. Both partially resistant genotypes produced a higher mean number of germ tubes per conidium (up to 3·42±0·35) than the susceptible one (1·26±0·18). The drop‐inoculation results allowed one of the partially resistant genotypes (Bolero, log₁₀(S+1) = 1·34±0·13) to be distinguished from the susceptible one (1·90±0·13). By contrast, fungal growth measured by Q‐PCR clearly differentiated the two partially resistant genotypes with log₁₀(I) values of 2·77±0·13 compared to the susceptible cultivar (3·65±0·13) at 15 days post‐inoculation. This result was strongly correlated (r² = 0·91) with the disease severity index scored at the same date. Data obtained with the different assessment methods strongly suggest that the Texto and Bolero genotypes have different genetic resistance sources.     

Potential of a strain of Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) for the control of the potato tuberworm,Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)

The potato tuberworm, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is one of the most important pests of potato, Solanum tuberosum L., worldwide. We evaluated six Beauveria bassiana strains with potential for control of larvae. Strain SD was the most virulent, causing up to 98% mortality 10 days after inoculation of first instars. The other tested strains (HL, XJ, SC, JL and GZ) were only marginally virulent compared to the controls. In cage trials, SD strain applied to potato plants significantly reduced the survival of tuberworm larvae. Our results suggest that strain SD may be recommended for effective biological control of P. operculella.     

Disposition kinetics of cypermethrin and fenvalerate in black bengal lactating goats

Disposition kinetics of cypermethrin and fenvalerate were investigated in lactating black Bengal goats following single dose intravenous administration at 57 and 45 mg kg^?1 respectively. The maximum and minimum blood concentrations of cypermethrin were 18.49 (±3.17) and 0.06 (±0.002) μg ml^?1, while the corresponding values for fenvalerate were 14.58 (±2.37) and 0.04 (±0.005) μg ml^?1 respectively. Both cypermethrin and fenvalerate remained present in blood for 36 h. The mean t1/2β) and Vd_area values were 5.56 (±0.28) h and 10.38 (±2.20) litre kg^?1 for cypermethrin and 5.66 (±0.35) h and 11.31 (±2.20) litre kg^?1 respectively for fenvalerate. Both cypermethrin and fenvalerate persisted in goat milk for 36 h. The t1/2β) and AUC values of fenvalerate were 7.37 (±1.84) h and 122.38 (±11.65) μg h ml^?1 whilst the corresponding values for cypermethrin were 6.66 (±1.54) h and 99.48 (±7.81) μg h ml^?1 in milk respectively.     

Carbofuran occupational dermal toxicity, exposure and risk assessment

BACKGROUND: Carbofuran is a carbamate insecticide that inhibits AChE. Although toxic by ingestion in mammals, it has low dermal toxicity, with relatively few confirmed worker illnesses. This risk assessment describes its time of onset, time to peak effect and time to recovery in rats using brain AChE inhibition in acute and 21 day dermal studies; in vitro rat/human relative dermal absorption for granular (5G) and liquid (4F) formulations; occupational exposure estimates using the Pesticide Handlers' Exposure Database and Agricultural Handlers' Exposure Database (PHED/AHED). RESULTS: The point of departure for acute risk calculation (BMDL₁₀) was 6.7 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for brain AChE inhibition after 6 h exposure. In a 21 day study, the BMDL₁₀ was 6.8 mg kg^?1 day^?1, indicating reversibility. At 75 mg kg^?1 day^?1, time of onset was ?30 min and time to peak effect was 6–12 h. Rat skin had ca tenfold greater dermal absorption of carbofuran (Furadan^® 5G or 4F) than human skin. Exposure estimates for 5G in rice and 4F in ten crops had adequate margins of exposure (>100). CONCLUSION: Rat dermal carbofuran toxicity was assessed in terms of dose and time‐related inhibition of AChE. Comparative dermal absorption in rats was greater than in humans. Worker exposure estimates indicated acceptable risk for granular and liquid formulations of carbofuran. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Toxico‐kinetics,recovery efficiency and microsomal changes following administration of deltamethrin to black Bengal goats

A study of the toxico‐kinetics, recovery percentage from different substrates, cytotoxicity and role of cytochrome P₄₅₀ and b₅ of liver microsome in the metabolism of deltamethrin were carried out in female black Bengal goat. The ALD₅₀ value of deltamethrin in goat by intravenous route lies between 0.2 and 0.6 mg kg^?1. Intravenous disposition kinetics using a dose of 0.2 mg kg^?1 showed that the maximum blood concentration of deltamethrin was recorded at 0.5 min, followed by rapid decline, and a minimum concentration was detected at 6 min after administration. The following values were obtained : Vd_area 0.148 (± 0.02) litre kg^?1; t_1/2 (α) 0.22 (± 0.02) min; t_1/2 (β) 2.17 (± 0.37) min; K_el 1.05 (± 0.24) min^?1; AUC 4.30(± 0.45) µg min ml^?1; Cl_B 0.05 (± 0.006) litre kg^?1 min^?1; T～B 1.93 (± 0.58); fc 0.40(± 0.05). After 10 min, liver retained the maximum residue, and heart, adrenal gland, kidney, spleen, fat and brain also held the insecticide; liver, fat, heart and spleen retained residue after 30 min, and bone, liver and fat retained residue after 60 min of intravenous administration. Oral absorption of deltamethrin was poor and inconsistent, and approximately 65% of administered dose was recovered from faeces and gastrointestinal contents. The excretion of deltamethrin through urine was meagre, and only 0.01 and 0.013% of the administered dose was recovered after 3 and 5 days of oral administration respectively. All the tissues retained the residue after 3 days; while fat, rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum, large and small intestine and bone retained the residue after 5 days of oral administration; and the percentage recoveries were 1.73 and 0.027 respectively. Deltamethrin reduced the level of cytochrome P₄₅₀ content of liver microsomal pellet of goat after 5 days of oral administration. Histopathological examination of liver, kidney, heart, spleen brain and lung sections of treated goats did not reveal any pathological changes. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry