Recently-proposed methods and concepts of testing the effects of pesticides on the beneficial mite and insect species: Study limitations and implications in IPM

Abstract

Pesticides have played a significant role in traditional crop protection during the last five decades. Consequently, high yields have been harvested from treated crops. However, man's eagerness for inventing these much needed chemicals has not allowed for ample establishment of risk reduction measures against their possible adverse effects on non-target organisms. This occurred mostly because crop production was given top priority, and partly because of the poor research and development (R & D) resources in the past. After many years of pesticide use, it is now recognized that application of broad spectrum and non-selective pesticides could pose high risks to beneficial organisms, especially among mite and insect species which usually regulate pest population(s) under natural conditions. Selective pesticides will always be needed in sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) for commercial-crop(s) pests. Pesticide testing methods to determine the effects of pesticides on beneficial mite and insect species are gaining priorities in R & D because of their vital importance to crop protection. In this review paper we examine pesticide testing methods and their evaluation and interpretation on beneficial mite and insect species. The limitations and implications of pesticide effects in IPM and their future prospects are also discussed.