In situ bioassay techniques to evaluate the toxicity of pesticides to beneficial invertebrates in cereals.

Abstract

This paper describes two foliar and one soil in situ bioassay techniques, that have been developed to evaluate the toxicity of pesticide residues to beneficial invertebrates in cereals. These techniques were used to assess the toxicity of summer-applied synthetic pyrethroids to aphid predators such as Carabidae, Stapylinidae, Coccinellidae, and Linyphiidae that inhabit UK cereal crops. The methodologies are not intended to act as definitive test guidelines but may provide an approach to experimental design which could be adapted to suit the purpose of registration tests. The uses and limitations of in situ bioassays are discussed.