Laboratory and field experiments on the effects of herbicides and fungicides on invertebrates
Abstract
Work to assess the effects of pesticides on non-target insects by the Cereals and Gamebirds Research Project began as a result of the Game Conservancy's long-term monitoring of insects on a 62 km2 study area in Sussex. Since 1970, insects feeding on weeds and fungi and the polyphagous predators have declined significantly on this area. During this time intensification of production has occurred with an increased use of pesticides especially fungicides.
One group of non-target insects under study are the chick food items of wild gamebirds e.g. Tenthredinidae larvae, Heteroptera, Chrysomelidae and Curculionidae. Examples of the effects of pesticides on this group were illustrated by the work on Gastrophysa polygoni L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) - a weed feeding insect.