Impact of thiamethoxam on Folsomia candida and Hypoaspis aculeifer in artificial and natural soils
摘要
Neonicotinoid insecticides are widely used in agriculture due to their effectiveness in controlling pests. However, their non-selective nature also affects non-target organisms, such as collembolans and mites, which play essential ecological roles and are highly sensitive to environmental changes. This study assessed the toxicity of thiamethoxam (TMX) on the survival and reproduction of the springtail Folsomia candida and the predatory mite Hypoaspis aculeifer in both an artificial (Tropical Artificial Soil - TAS) and a natural soil (Petric Plinthosol - FFc). Soils were spiked with the commercial insecticide CRUISER® 350 FS (35% thiamethoxam). Seven concentrations were tested for F. candida (0.13–1.42 mg/kg dry soil) and six concentrations for H. aculeifer (1–400 mg/kg dry soil), based on the organisms’ sensitivities and recommended doses (RD) for use in sunflower crops (Syngenta,