Atrazine and nicosulfuron affect the reproductive fitness of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2018 Oct-Dec;90(4):3625-3633. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765201820170748. Epub 2018 Sep 3.

Abstract

Herbicides can impact non-target metabolic pathways in natural enemies and lead to the reduction of these populations in the field. Behavioral characteristics, morphology and histology of reproductive structures and reproduction of females of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were evaluated under the effect of the herbicides atrazine, nicosulfuron and the mixture of both. The number of mature oocytes per ovary was lower in females exposed to the herbicides atrazine, nicosulfuron and the mixture of both. Herbicides did not affect the longevity and mortality of P. nigrispinus, therefore, they are selective for this predator. On the other hand, herbicides can cause sublethal effects by affecting the reproduction of predators.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atrazine / administration & dosage
  • Atrazine / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Hemiptera / classification
  • Hemiptera / drug effects*
  • Herbicides / administration & dosage
  • Herbicides / pharmacology*
  • Pyridines / administration & dosage
  • Pyridines / pharmacology*
  • Reproduction / drug effects
  • Sulfonylurea Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Sulfonylurea Compounds / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Herbicides
  • Pyridines
  • Sulfonylurea Compounds
  • nicosulfuron
  • Atrazine