Environmental effects of insecticides on non target predator and parasitoid insects

Abstract

When considering how insecticides impact beneficial insects, in addition to direct mortality, we need to assess sublethal effects on population numbers which reduce the efficacy of the predators and parasitoids in reducing pest insects. The physiological sublethal effects can result in reduced longevity and reproduction. Understanding the sublethal effects of insecticides on beneficial insects is important in agroecosystems, especially in the context of natural biological control which aims to augment endemic natural enemies. The objective of this research study was to evaluate the environmental effects of insecticides on non target predator and parasitoid insects, combining the review of the literature and the synthesis of both a laboratory and a field research study. The lab study considered the effects of chlorpyrifos and deltamethrin on three natural enemies of Russian wheat aphid; the field study considered the effects of chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, cyhalothrin-lambda and imidacloprid on ground dwelling arthropods in a Canola field.