Transfer of Copper (Cu) in the Soil–Plant–Mealybug–Ladybird Beetle Food Chain

Abstract

Copper, an essential trace element, is vital for living organisms’ survival; however, despite its importance, an excessive amount of this micro-nutrient can cause harmful effects to plants and animals. The present study investigates Cu bio-transfer across multi-trophic food chain comprising soil (spiked with various concentrations of Cu), eggplant (Solanum melongena), mealybug (Ferrisia virgata), and ladybird (Nephus ryuguus). Soils were spiked with Cu at rates of 0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg (w/w). A dose-dependent increase in the levels of Cu in plant, mealybug, and ladybird was observed in response to Cu contents of soil. Different Cu amendment caused a significant reduction in the average root and shoot dry weights per plant as well as the average body weights of F. virgata and N. ryuguus. Our findings affirmed the importance of additional research to explain the processes involved in the bio-transfer of copper across the food chain.