Involvement of esterases in diazinon resistance and biphasic effects of piperonyl butoxide on diazinon toxicity to Haematobia irritans irritans (Diptera: Muscidae)

Resistance to insecticides remains a major problem for the successful control of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans irritans (L.), one of the most important pests of cattle in many countries including the United States. The organophosphate (OP) insecticide diazinon has been used to control pyrethroid-resistant populations of the horn fly. There are only a few reported cases of horn fly resistance to diazinon in the United States and Mexico. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) has been used successfully as a synergist of pyrethroid insecticides to control horn flies. PBO-synergized diazinon products are also available for horn fly control in the United States, although PBO is known to inhibit the bio-activation of certain OP insecticides including diazinon. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of PBO on diazinon toxicity to horn flies using a filter paper bioassay technique. These bioassays in both the susceptible and diazinon-resistant horn fly strains revealed a biphasic effect of PBO on diazinon toxicity to horn flies. PBO inhibited diazinon toxicity when the PBO concentration used was high (5%), and no effect was observed when PBO concentration was intermediate (2%). However, at low concentrations (1% and lower), PBO significantly synergized diazinon toxicity. We demonstrated that enhanced esterase activity was associated with survivability of horn flies exposed to diazinon alone. PBO has been shown to inhibit esterase activity in other insect species. However, results of biochemical assays with esterases from this study suggest that PBO did not have significant effect on the overall esterase activity in the horn fly. The observed synergistic effect of PBO at lower concentrations on diazinon toxicity to horn flies could not be explained by reduced esterase activity due to PBO inhibition. It is likely that PBO synergized diazinon toxicity at lower concentrations by facilitating penetration of diazinon through the cuticle and/or inhibiting the oxidative detoxification of diazinon, and reduced diazinon toxicity at high PBO concentration by inhibiting the bio-activation of diazinon.     

有机磷类杀虫剂代谢机制研究进展

文章对有机磷类杀虫剂代谢机制的研究进展以及昆虫对此类杀虫剂的相关代谢抗性机制进行了总结,阐述了有机磷杀虫剂的生物代谢途径及相关代谢酶系。在生物体中,有机磷类杀虫剂主要发生氧化代谢、水解代谢和轭合代谢等反应。其氧化代谢主要在细胞色素P450酶系(P450s)的催化作用下进行,其中,最重要的氧化反应是硫代有机磷酸酯类杀虫剂氧化脱硫形成生物毒性更高的有机磷氧化物的反应,以及氧化脱芳(烷)基化的反应;有机磷杀虫剂及其氧化产物在生物体内还可发生水解代谢反应,在对氧磷酶PON1等磷酸三酯酶的催化作用下,水解生成低毒性或者无毒的代谢物;有机磷杀虫剂的轭合代谢主要是在谷胱甘肽硫转移酶(GSTs)的催化下进行的。昆虫对有机磷类杀虫剂的代谢抗性与昆虫中参与此类杀虫剂代谢的解毒酶的改变密切相关,其中,与有机磷类杀虫剂代谢相关的P450s基因的过量表达和酶活性增强、丝氨酸水解酯酶的过量表达及基因突变、GSTs基因的过量表达等,均可导致铜绿蝇Lucilia cuprina、桃蚜Myzus persicae等昆虫对二嗪磷和马拉硫磷等有机磷类杀虫剂的代谢抗性。明确有机磷类杀虫剂的结构特点、代谢途径以及昆虫对此类杀虫剂的代谢抗性机制,对掌握有机磷类杀虫剂的毒理学机制,安全有效地使用此类杀虫剂,有效治理害虫对有机磷类杀虫剂的抗药性,以及开发生物选择性好的新型有机磷类杀虫剂,均具有重要意义。     

Residue levels and cholinesterase activities in sheep poisoned experimentally with diazinon

Sheep were dosed orally with diazinon at 450 and 600 mg/kg: residues of diazinon were determined in the blood, brain, liver, kidney cortex and medulla, muscle, fat and rumen contents at intervals after dosing, and cholinesterase activities in the erythrocytes and the brain were determined at the same intervals. The relations between residues, cholinesterase activity and clinical symptoms are discussed from the points of view of their diagnostic value and the possibility of undesirable residues occurring in poisoned animals. Rough estimates of the residues of two metabolites, hydroxydiazinon and dehydro-diazinon, in one sheep are also discussed. The oxygen analogue of diazinon was not detected although it was specifically sought.     

Synergism of diazinon toxicity and inhibition of diazinon metabolism in the house fly by tridiphane: Inhibition of glutathione S-transferase activity

Diazinon toxicity to a susceptible strain of house fly (Musca domestica L.) was synergized by tridiphane [2-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)oxirane], a herbicide synergist. Both diazinon and tridiphane were partially metabolized in the house fly by glutathione (GSH) conjugation. Synergism appeared to be due to inhibition of diazinon metabolism/detoxification. Crude glutathione S-transferase (GST) preparations from the house fly catalyzed GSH conjugation of diazinon, tridiphane, 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene (DCNB), and chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). Tridiphane and the GSH conjugate of tridiphane appeared to inhibit diazinon GSH conjugation, but diazinon did not inhibit tridiphane GSH conjugation. The enzymatic rate of tridiphane GSH conjugation was 22 times the rate of diazinon GSH conjugation; therefore, attempts to assay tridiphane as an inhibitor of diazinon GSH conjugation were inconclusive because of the high concentration of tridiphane GSH conjugate produced during the assay. CDNB underwent enzymatic GSH conjugation at a rate 240 times faster than that of tridiphane and 5000 times faster than that of diazinon. GSH conjugation of CDNB was not inhibited by tridiphane, but was inhibited by the GSH conjugate of tridiphane. In vivo, the GSH conjugate of tridiphane was produced in sufficient concentration to cause the observed inhibition of diazinon metabolism and synergism of diazinon toxicity. However, the possibility that parent tridiphane caused or contributed to the inhibition of diazinon metabolism and synergism of diazinon toxicity could not be excluded. Inhibition of diazinon metabolism did not appear to be due to depletion of either GSH or GST.     

Diazinon poisoning in large white butterfly larvae and the influence of sesamex and piperonyl butoxide

The toxicity of diazinon and diazoxon to fourth instar Pieris brassicae larvae was determined, with or without modifying chemicals. Piperonyl butoxide and sesamex antagonised diazinon but synergised diazoxon. The penetration, excretion and internal concentration of diazinon were measured following topical application. Penetration of diazinon followed first order kinetics and was considerably slower after pretreatment with sesamex and piperonyl butoxide. Pretreatment with piperonyl butoxide increased the internal concentration of diazinon, but the onset of symptoms of poisoning was delayed, presumably because of inhibition of diazinon activation.     

应用Tier I Eco-Risk Calculator 模型评估二嗪磷对鸟类的风险

在室内急性毒性试验的基础上,应用Tier I Eco-Risk Calculator模型对50%二嗪磷乳油对日本鹌鹑的生态风险进行了评价。50%二嗪磷乳油的经口毒性LD50值为每1 kg体重4.61 mg;经食毒性LC50值为每1 kg饲料120.0 mg。模型预测结果表明:直接经口暴露时,50%二嗪磷乳油对鹌鹑具有急性高风险;经食暴露时,其对鹌鹑产生急性风险的可能性也较高。因此,应禁止在鸟类保护区或其临近地区使用二嗪磷,在不影响药效的基础上尽可能减少使用量,改变剂型或使用方法等,以降低二嗪磷对鸟类的风险。     

应用Tier Ⅰ Eco-Risk Calculator模型评估二嗪磷对鸟类的风险

在室内急性毒性试验的基础上,应用Tier I Eco-Risk Calculator模型对50%二嗪磷乳油对日本鹌鹑的生态风险进行了评价。50%二嗪磷乳油的经口毒性LD50值为每1 kg体重4.61 mg;经食毒性LC50值为每1 kg饲料120.0 mg。模型预测结果表明:直接经口暴露时,50%二嗪磷乳油对鹌鹑具有急性高风险;经食暴露时,其对鹌鹑产生急性风险的可能性也较高。因此,应禁止在鸟类保护区或其临近地区使用二嗪磷,在不影响药效的基础上尽可能减少使用量,改变剂型或使用方法等,以降低二嗪磷对鸟类的风险。     

The Efficacy and Residual Toxicity of certain Granular Insecticides against Mustard Aphid,Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt)

Abstract

The systemic activity of four granular insecticides (phorate 10%, Temik 10%, diazinon 5% and Sevidol [8% carbaryl + 8% gamma-BHC]) was evaluated for the control of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt). The granules were applied in the soil to one month old mustard plants transplanted in pots. 3rd and 4th instar nymphs were used for the trial. Mortality counts were made 24 hours after release. Of the insecticides tested, phorate and Temik at 1 lb a.i./ac proved most effective. Temik had a quick knockdown effect as compared to phorate, as it gave 100% control within 24 hours, while with phorate 100% kill was obtained only after 72 hours. Diazinon at 4 lb a.i./ac gave 83.3% kill after 72 hours. Sevidol proved ineffective as an aphidicide. Residual toxicity of three of the granular insecticides, namely phorate, Temik and diazinon, was tested. Phorate and Temik at 1 lb a.i./ac exhibited the same residual toxicity up to 4 weeks, i.e. 100% and 76% kill obtained at the end of 2 and 4 weeks respectively. Although the toxicity of both pesticides gradually declined there was no significant difference in percentage kill over a period of 5 weeks. After 6 weeks, however, the mortality recorded with Temik was 37.1% and with phorate was 51.1%. The residual toxicity of phorate was further found to last up to 8 weeks, when the mortality obtained was 40%. The residual toxicity of diazinon sharply declined within 2 weeks.     

Effects of diazinon at different doses on rat liver and pancreas tissues

Diazinon is one of the most widely used organophosphates in agriculture. Toxic effects of diazinon are due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme needed for proper nervous system function. This study was designed to investigate the effects of diazinon at different doses on pancreas and liver tissues and in which dose level diazinon shows its effects. Sixty male Wistar albino rats were included in this study. Animals were initially divided into control and diazinon given groups. There were 10 animals in the control group and 50 animals in diazinon administered group. The latter was divided into five equal subgroups: 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of diazinon administered groups. Control group was given only saline. All animals in 300 mg/kg diazinon group died. After 24 h, rats were sacrificed under ether anesthesia. Tissue and blood samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Sample tissues were examined under light microscope. In biochemical analysis, AST, ALT, LDH, amylase and lipase enzyme activities were measured. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare the groups. In 200 mg/kg diazinon given group, it has been observed some histopathological changes in pancreas and liver tissues. Cholinesterase activities were significantly decreased and alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all diazinon given groups, when compared with the controls. There was statistically significant difference between the control and diazinon given groups by means of serum amylase, lipase, ALT and AST activities (p < 0.05). LDH activities were significantly increased in 100 and 200 mg diazinon given groups, when compared with the controls (p < 0.05). Histopathological changes were observed only in 200 mg diazinon given group. This evidence suggest that diazinon effect is dose dependent and this is possibly 10-15% of the LD₅₀ dose (200 mg/kg), which cause acute pancreatitis and histopathological changes in liver.     

Dislodgeable residues and persistence of diazinon,chlorpyrifos and isofenphos following their application to turfgrass

In laboratory experiments, residues of diazinon applied to turfgrass, Poa pratensis L., that could be dislodged by rubbing with cheese-cloth, declined from c. 10% of the total applied when the grass was vigorously rubbed immediately after application to 0.3% after 1 day. Sunlight did not influence the rate of decline in dislodgeable residues or residues remaining on or within the leaf blades. In field experiments where 4.5 kg ha^?1 of diazinon was applied in liquid or granular form, about 20 times more diazinon was dislodged from the liquid formulation immediately after application than from the granular. By 1 day after application the percentage of the total applied diazinon that could be dislodged was equal for both formulations. Rainfall had a significant effect on the amount dislodged from grass blades, but mowing did not. Similar rates of decline in the dislodgeable fraction of diazinon, chlorpyrifos and isofenphos were observed in field experiments. Recovery of the dislodgeable fraction declined to 0.25% or less of the total amount of any of these insecticides by 1 day after application. However, residues in the thatch remained sufficiently high for control of insects for up to 7 days after application for diazinon and 14 days for chlorpyrifos and isofenphos.     

Host plant induction of microsomal monooxygenase activity in relation to diazinon metabolism and toxicity in larvae of the tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens (F.)

The effect of the wild tomato, Lycopersican hirsutam F. glabratam (accession PI 134417), on susceptibility to and metabolism of diazinon, 0,0-diethyl-0-(2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate, in larvae of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescans F., was studied. The larvae were over 4-fold more tolerant to diazinon toxicity when fed on leaves of wild tomato than when fed on an artificial diet. Diazinon injected into fifth instar larvae is converted into two chloroform-soluble and five water-soluble metabolites. Degradation of diazinon was faster in larvae fed tomato leaves (88.1%) than in larvae fed on the artificial diet (68.4%). Some oxon (13.0%) was detected in the latter case but none in larvae fed tomato leaves. The major metabolite was hydroxypyrimidine and its formation was higher (73.2%) in larvae fed tomato leaves than in larvae fed the artificial diet (49.2%). In vitro studies revealed that both diazinon and its oxon were metabolized primarily by the microsomal cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase system which was induced 2.5- to 3.7-fold by feeding on tomato leaves. It was concluded that diazinon was degraded in H. virescens larvae through desulfuration, hydroxylation of the ring-alkyl side chain, and oxidative dearylation reactions, all of which were increased by varying amounts after feeding on tomato leaves. Treatment of the larvae with 2-tridecanone, a naturally occurring toxin in tomato leaves, resulted in increased tolerance to diazinon and increased in vitro degradation of diazinon and its oxon, the induction being dependent on the magnitude of 2-tridecanone treatment. The microsomes of tomato fed larvae had a 1.5- to 2.1-fold higher concentration of cytochrome P-450, accompanied by a 1–2 nm shift in the λmax of the cytochrome P-450 carbon monoxide complex.     

Diazinon reduction and partitioning between water,sediment and vegetation in stormwater runoff mitigation through rice fields

BACKGROUND: Contamination of surface waters by pesticides is a concern in the United States and around the world. Innovative mitigation strategies are needed to remediate this potential environmental contaminant. One potential solution is to divert pesticide‐laden drainage or surface water through agricultural rice fields. With a hydroperiod, hydrosoil and hydrophyte (rice), these systems serve essentially as a type of constructed wetland. In both summer and fall experiments, diazinon‐amended water was diverted through two rice ponds at the University of Mississippi Field Station. Likewise, a non‐vegetated control pond was amended with diazinon‐laden water. Water, sediment and plant samples were taken spatially and temporally to determine the distribution of diazinon within systems. RESULTS: Outflow diazinon concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from inflow in both vegetated ponds for both preharvest and post‐harvest experiments. Although sorption to rice plants was minimal in the overall mass distribution of diazinon (1–3%), temporal data indicated that diazinon concentrations reached the outflow sediment of the non‐vegetated control twice as fast as in either vegetated (rice) system. In both vegetated systems, sediment diazinon concentrations decreased (77 and 100%) from inflow to outflow, while a decrease of <2% was noted in the non‐vegetated control. CONCLUSIONS: Diversion of pesticide‐contaminated water through rice fields demonstrated potential as a low‐cost, environmentally efficient mitigation practice. Studies on these systems are continuing to evaluate the optimal chemical retention time for rice field mitigation, as well as diazinon transfer to rice grain seeds that may be used as a food source. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Selective inhibition of the metabolism of diazinon and diazoxon in vitro by piperonyl butoxide,NIA 16824, and 1-(2-isopropylphenyl)imidazole

Several pesticide synergists known to be mixed-function oxidase inhibitors were found to inhibit the in vitro metabolism of diazinon by mouse liver microsomes. Piperonyl butoxide and NIA 16824 (O-isobutyl-O-propargyl phenylphosphonate) inhibit all oxidative reactions of diazinon to the same extent. In contrast, 1-(2-isopropylphenyl)imidazole selectively inhibits oxidative dearylation and thiophosphate to phosphate conversion without significant effect on ring side chain hydroxylation. This selectivity suggests that two different mechanisms of oxidative detoxification may be operating, mechanisms which may involve either two cytochrome P-450s or two different binding sites on the same cytochrome.     

农药混剂的选择毒性研究

稻瘟净或异稻瘟净与乐果或马拉松混用,对抗性黑尾叶蝉有明显的增效作用,对小白鼠急性口服毒性也有所增加。小白鼠口服稻瘟净或异稻瘟净后,鼠肝中水解乐果和N—甲基正己酰胺的羧酰胺酶活力明显下降;水解醋酸α-萘酯的羧酸酯酶活力也被抑制。羊肝微粒体的羧酰胺酶在体外分别被稻瘟净、异稻瘟净、磷酸三苯酯、磷酸三甲苯酯、苯硫磷、氧乐果和西维因强烈抑制,它们的I_(50)值为1.3×10~(-8)—4.0×10~(-5)克分子浓度。稻瘟净、异稻瘟净、磷酸三苯酯和西维因分别是羊肝羧酰胺酶和羧酸酯酶的竞争性抑制剂,它们的K_i值在4.8×10~(-8)—1.0×10~(-7)克分子浓度之间。这些结果表明稻瘟净、异稻瘟净等增加乐果和马拉松对哺乳动物的毒性的机制,可能主要是由于它们抑制了哺乳动物体内正常解毒乐果和马拉松的水解酶。文中讨论了这些农药混剂的选择毒性问题。     

The irritant and repellent effects of organophosphates on the Tasmanian lacewing,Micromus tasmaniae (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae)

The irritant and repellent effects of two organophosphate insecticides, diazinon and chlorpyrifos, were examined on adults of the Tasmanian lacewing, Micromus tasmaniae, in the laboratory. Two household pyrethroid sprays were used as positive controls. The organophosphates did not induce a more rapid onset of preening, a more rapid flight from contaminated filter papers or an avoidance response in Petri dishes. A small but statistically significant avoidance of diazinon, but not chlorpyrifos, occurred when M tasmaniae were introduced onto sprayed potted bean plants. It is concluded that these two organophosphates are not intrinsically irritating or repellent to M tasmaniae and any avoidance reaction would not prevent a lethal dose from being obtained. Therefore, a decline in natural populations of M tasmaniae after application of these chemicals is likely to be due to mortality, rather than dispersal. The implications of these results with regard to using this species as a bioindicator are discussed. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Incorporation and stability of chlorfenvinphos,chlorpyrifos, diazinon and phorate in peat blocks

Factors likely to influence the uniformity of treatment and the stability of the insecticides incorporated into peat blocks were investigated. When an Adelphi horizontal mixer was used, 90% of the blocks contained the mean dose (±10%) after dry-mixing the diazinon granules for 3 min. Treatment was slightly less uniform using a concrete mixer or a spade. Between-block variability was greatest when diazinon was applied to the wet surfaces of prepared blocks; in this process, sprinkling granules by hand was less erratic than spraying a liquid formulation. When granular, wettable powder, or emulsifiable concentrate formulations of diazinon were incorporated using the Adelphi mixer, neither the between-block variability nor the subsequent stability of the insecticide were significantly influenced by the formulation used. Insecticide stability was studied by incorporating chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos, diazinon and phorate at 10 mg a.i. per block in January, March, May and July. The relative order of persistence was chlorfenvinphosChlorpyrifos > phorate≫diazinon. There was little loss of insecticide ( < 10%) from the blocks treated with chlorfenvinphos or chlorpyrifos, and the stability of the insecticides was unaffected by seasonal temperature changes, but the rate of loss of diazinon increased markedly from January to July. The rate of oxidation of phorate to its sulphoxide and sulphone analogues increased gradually from January to May but was much slower than in the field after a bow-wave application. With all insecticides, there was no significant difference in loss rates at 25 and 10 mg a.i. per block. After incorporation into three moss peats and two proprietary blocking composts, there was no consistent difference in the rates of loss of either diazinon or of total phorate residues, although the rates of oxidation of phorate and its sulphoxide were not similar in all the peats and composts. It was concluded that, despite the substantial water content and high insecticide concentrations, the principal factor determining insecticide behaviour in the blocks was the adsorptive capacity of the peat.     

Studies on ticks of veterinary importance in Nigeria. VIII. Differences observed in the biology of ticks which fed on different domestic animal hosts

Ticks of the species Amblyomma variegatum (Fabr.), Boophilus decoloratus (Koch), Boophilus geigyi Aeschl. et Morel, and Hyalomma rufipes Koch were detached from cattle, sheep and horses and the influence of these various hosts on the biology of ticks was investigated. No A. variegatum was found in horses. The parameters studied were preoviposition and oviposition periods, ovipositional capacity, eclosion period, hatching patterns, egg sizes and temperature effect. Although the preoviposition and eclosion periods were similar in each tick species irrespective of the host from which the adults were detached, the oviposition period was longest among ticks detached from cattle and least among those detached from horses. The ticks engorged on cattle also laid the highest number of eggs and those which engorged on horses laid the least number. The hatching pattern of the eggs in any tick species was not influenced by the host from which the female was detached. The lengths of eggs of the ticks whose adults were detached from horses were generally smaller than those detached from cattle and sheep. Temperature affected the adult females detached from cattle, sheep and horses equally and this was also true of the larvae they produced. The practical field applications of these results are discussed.     

Acute effects of methyl parathion and diazinon as inducers for oxidative stress on certain biomarkers in various tissues of rainbowtrout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Present study aimed mainly to assess oxidative stress pesticides such as methyl parathion (MP) and diazinon, which are widely used insecticides and contaminate aquatic ecosystems, on certain biomarkers in various tissues of rainbowtrout (Oncorhynchcus mykiss). Biomarkers selected for stress monitoring were malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant defense system (ADS) mainly reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), peroxidase (GSH-PX), transferase (GST) and superoxidedismutase (SOD) activities in the liver, gills and muscle of fishes exposed to 0.5 and 1 ppm dosages of MP and diazinon for 24, 48 and 72 h. According to these results, after the administrations of MP and diazinon promote MDA content in some of the tissues of fishes treated with both dosages of MP and diazinon. With regard to the ADS, GSH-Px, GST, SOD, GR activities and GSH levels fluctuated after 24, 48 and 72 h in all the treatment groups compared with controls. Collective results demonstrated that exposure of fish to pesticides induced an increase in MDA joined with fluctuated ADS. This may reflect the potential role of these parameters as useful biomarkers for assessment of water pollution.     

Genetic analysis and effect of synergists on diazinon resistance in the bulb mite,rhizoglyphus rohini claparède (acari:Acaridae)

A genetic analysis revealed that the resistance to diazinon of the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus robini Claparède. lacked sex linkage, and was based on the operation of a dominant allele. Synergism of diazinon by eight inhibitors of detoxifying enzymes in susceptible and resistant strains of the bulb mite was determined. Esterases were shown to play an important role in detoxification against diazinon. S.S.S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate, an esterase inhibitor, was the only synergist which obviously synergized diazinon. The others, including the inhibitors of glutathione-S-transferases, carboxylesterase and mixed function oxidases, showed obscure or even antagonistic effect.     

Diet characteristics of wild sheep(Ovis ammon darwini) in the Mengluoke Mountains,Xinjiang,China

In most arid and semi-arid regions of the world, domestic livestock and native wildlife share pastures, and their competition for forage and habitat is thought to be a serious conservation issue. Moreover, unmanaged grazing by livestock can cause the population decline in wild ungulates. The diet of an animal species is a determining aspect of its ecological niche, and investigating its diet has been one of the initial steps in basic ecology study of a new species. To get an approximate understanding of the interspecific food relationships of argali(Ovis ammon darwini) between sexes, and sympatric domestic sheep and goats, we compared the diet compositions and diet-overlaps among these herbivores, i.e., male argali, female argali, domestic sheep, and domestic goats in the Mengluoke Mountains of Xinjiang, China by using micro-histological fecal analysis. Female argali, male argali, domestic sheep and domestic goat primarily consumed forbs(43.31%±4.86%), grass(36.02%±9.32%), forbs(41.01%±9.18%), and forbs(36.22%±10.61%), respectively in warm season. All these animals consumed mostly shrubs(female argali: 36.47%±7.56%; male argali: 47.28%±10.75%; domestic sheep: 40.46%±9.56%; and domestic goats: 42.88%±9.34%, respectively) in cold season. The diet-overlaps were relatively high among all species in cold season with values ranging from 0.88 to 0.94. Furthermore, Schoener's index measured between each possible pair of 4 herbivores increased from the warm season to the cold season. The results illustrate that the high degree of diet-overlap of argali and domestic livestock(sheep and goat) may pose a threat to the survival of the argali in cold season. From the viewpoint of rangeland management and conservation of the endangered argali, the numbers of domestic sheep and goats should be limited in cold season to reduce food competition.