Thiacloprid (TCL) uptake by maize plants that emerge from coated seeds has been investigated and characterized via measurements of the compound in the guttation liquid. TCL levels were determined in the guttation liquid: (a) under field and semi-field conditions, (b) for different maize varieties, (c) applying different dosages, and (d) as affected by cross-contamination between maize seeds via soil. Cross-contamination was described by uptake interactions between seeds coated with TCL and neighboring seeds not coated or coated with other neonicotinoids, e.g., either thiamethoxam (TMX) or clothianidin (CLO). TCL levels remained under 100 µg/mL in the guttation liquid under field conditions, and were quantifiable even on the 39th day after planting of coated seeds. Higher levels up to 188.6 µg/mL were detected in plants grown under semi-field conditions in pots. Levels in the guttation liquid were also found to be influenced by the applied dosages. The uptake of TCL was found to vary for different maize varieties. Appearance of TCL as a cross-contaminant in the guttation liquid of neighboring plants emerging from non-coated maize seeds indicates translocation of the compound via soil. Peak levels of TCL cross-contamination were found to be lower (43.6 µg/mL) than the corresponding levels in the parent maize plants emerging from coated seeds (107.5 µg/mL), but values converge to each other. Similar trends were observed with neighboring seeds coated with other neonicotinoids (TMX or CLO). The translocation rate of TCL and its uptake by other plants seem to be lower than that of TMX or CLO.
Keywords: clothianidin; cross-contamination; guttation liquid; neonicotinoid; seed coating; thiacloprid; thiamethoxam.