Journal article

Current Insights into Sublethal Effects of Pesticides on Insects


Authors listBartling, Merle-Theresa; Brandt, Annely; Hollert, Henner; Vilcinskas, Andreas

Publication year2024

JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences

Volume number25

Issue number11

ISSN1661-6596

eISSN1422-0067

Open access statusGold

DOI Linkhttps://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116007

PublisherMDPI


Abstract
The effect of pesticides on insects is often discussed in terms of acute and chronic toxicity, but an important and often overlooked aspect is the impact of sublethal doses on insect physiology and behavior. Pesticides can influence various physiological parameters of insects, including the innate immune system, development, and reproduction, through a combination of direct effects on specific exposed tissues and the modification of behaviors that contribute to health and reproductive success. Such behaviors include mobility, feeding, oviposition, navigation, and the ability to detect pheromones. Pesticides also have a profound effect on insect learning and memory. The precise effects depend on many different factors, including the insect species, age, sex, caste, physiological condition, as well as the type and concentration of the active ingredients and the exposure route. More studies are needed to assess the effects of different active ingredients (and combinations thereof) on a wider range of species to understand how sublethal doses of pesticides can contribute to insect decline. This review reflects our current knowledge about sublethal effects of pesticides on insects and advancements in the development of innovative methods to detect them.



Citation Styles

Harvard Citation styleBartling, M., Brandt, A., Hollert, H. and Vilcinskas, A. (2024) Current Insights into Sublethal Effects of Pesticides on Insects, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(11), Article 6007. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116007

APA Citation styleBartling, M., Brandt, A., Hollert, H., & Vilcinskas, A. (2024). Current Insights into Sublethal Effects of Pesticides on Insects. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 25(11), Article 6007. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116007



Keywords


APIS-MELLIFERA LBEETLE TRIBOLIUM-CASTANEUMBEHAVIORAL-RESPONSEbeneficial arthropodsBOMBUS-TERRESTRIS HYMENOPTERACERANA-INDICA FHONEY-BEESinsecticidesLEARNING PERFORMANCESPARASITOID WASPpest insectsSEX PHEROMONAL COMMUNICATIONsublethal dosesTRICHOGRAMMA-BRASSICAE


SDG Areas


Last updated on 2025-10-06 at 12:07