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Meta-Analysis of Herbicide Non-Target Effects on Pest Natural Enemies
Gabriel Zilnik1, Paul E Bergeron2, Angela Chuang3
1Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Crop Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, 5230 Konnowac Pass Road, Wapato, WA 98951, USA.
Insects
|October 27, 2023
Summary
Herbicides harm beneficial insects, reducing natural pest control. This study reveals which herbicides and insect groups are most affected, highlighting risks to integrated pest management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Ecotoxicology
- Pest Management
Background:
- Integrated pest management (IPM) relies on biological control by natural enemies.
- Pesticide use, particularly insecticides, is increasingly tested for non-target effects on natural enemies.
- Research on herbicide non-target effects on natural enemies is limited, lacking selectivity recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize existing data on herbicide non-target effects on arthropod natural enemies.
- To identify patterns in susceptibility across different taxa.
- To determine the toxicity of various herbicide active ingredients.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was conducted on laboratory bioassays.
- Data from 78 papers, comprising 801 observations, were analyzed.
- Effects on natural enemy mortality, longevity, reproduction, and predation were quantified.
Main Results:
- Herbicides significantly increased natural enemy mortality and decreased longevity, reproduction, and predation.
- Mesostigmatan mites and hemipterans showed the highest sensitivity; spiders, neuropterans, and hymenopterans were least sensitive.
- Glufosinate, metribuzin, and oxyfluorfen were identified as the most harmful herbicides for acute mortality.
Conclusions:
- Herbicides pose a significant risk to biological control in cropping systems.
- Specific herbicides like glufosinate warrant caution due to high toxicity.
- Further research is needed on under-studied active ingredients and their impact on natural enemies.
