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Traces of neonicotinoid pesticides can prevent flying insects from spotting predators and avoid collisions with objects in their path, according to a new study from the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Residual traces of these widely used pesticides can profoundly affect the ability of a flying insect to detect movement – an essential skill for survival, according to the article published in the newspaper neurotoxicology.
Less than an hour after being treated with very small amounts of neonicotinoids or their metabolites (trace elements present after the onset of insecticide decomposition), the flying insects did not turn, did not slip or stop to avoid a collision.
"Our results suggest that very low doses of the pesticide or its metabolic products can profoundly and negatively affect motion detection systems that flying insects, such as locusts, grbadhoppers and bees, need to survive", said Jack Gray, expert in neuronal control of animal behavior and vice-dean for research, studies and artistic work at the USask College of Arts and Sciences.
"Although they are found in the environment and insects can be exposed to them, the metabolites are generally not subject to toxicity testing.Our results suggest that they should be safe." be."
Neonicotinoid (or neonic) pesticides are the clbad of insecticides most widely used in the world and are neurotoxins. The European Union has restricted the use of certain neon lights as a result of concerns over their impact on pollinators, including bees, and it has been proposed to limit their use in Canada.
Although neonicotinoids break down into different compounds and may exist in trace amounts in the environment, these levels usually do not undergo toxicity testing.
Locusts exposed to the trace elements of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid could not detect the movement of objects in their field of vision. When they received slightly higher doses, the locusts were unable to fly straight or did not take off at all.
The findings of researchers from the USask Biology Department are part of a larger USask research program on the impact of trace elements of neonicotinoids. on flying insects.
During tests on the locust nervous system using electrophysiology, USask biologists found that their motion detector neurons were less sensitive after being treated. Their ability to quickly process and relay information, and thus react quickly in flight, has also been altered.
Using a specially designed wind tunnel, the research team measured the ability of an in-flight cricket to navigate around simulated objects in the approach, an essential skill to avoid predators and obstacles such as bushes and trees.
Good vision is essential for insect survival as it allows them to see predators, including larger insects and birds, and avoid collisions with other insects or objects in their path.
The team will soon begin to investigate whether traces of neonicotinoids can disrupt the flight and flight behavior of bees, affecting the neural mechanisms that stabilize flight, control flight speed, altitude and help insects. to calculate the distance.
"Bees and other flying insects use similar neural mechanisms to treat visual movement, and the ability to see motion is crucial not only to avoid predators, but also to maintain a stable flight path," said Rachel Parkinson, a doctoral student in biology.
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Material provided by University of Saskatchewan. Note: Content can be changed for style and length.
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