The mixture of fungicides and herbicides modifies the survival of butterflies and the success of reproduction in agricultural land

Intensive agriculture is one of the main factors contributing to the loss of biodiversity. While previous research has focused mainly on the effects of loss and fragmentation of housing, intensive agriculture also has other environmental effects, including the use of pesticides in agricultural environments.

A study in Total environmental science examined the effects of two pesticides on Glanville’s frotillar butterfly, which often lives in such environments. The study aimed to determine how short -term exposure to the larval stage affects the growth rate of larvae and the reproductive success of adult butterflies.

The study focused on a fungicide and a herbicide, as well as a mixture of the two. Fungicide in particular has increased the mortality rate of larvae and has already slowed down development after a short exposure period. The mixture of the two substances has reduced the harmful effects of fungicide on the development of larvae, although it remained slower than in larvae which have received control treatment. He also negatively affected the reproduction capacity of adult butterflies.

“Pesticides are widely used in agriculture, and new products are constantly introduced on the market. Despite environmental regulations and laboratory tests for toxicity levels, we know relatively little about the way different pesticides affect non -target species in the savage”, the doctoral researcher Ulla Riihimäki of the Faculty of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences.

Systematic monitoring does not extend to residues in nature

According to researchers, different types of pesticides can cause very different reactions in non -target organizations.

“It is important to monitor the quantity of pesticides in nature more closely and to study their potential effects on wildlife in more detail.

“The use of pesticides is strictly regulated and the approval of new active substances always requires a risk assessment. The concentration of pesticide residues in food is monitored, and they must not exceed reference values. Kaila, DSC (Agriculture and Forestry), one of the authors of the article.

“Additional research and closer surveillance are necessary to protect biodiversity and ensure that the use of pesticides does not harm organizations that it does not target specifically,” said Professor Marjo Saastaminen, whose research group conducted the study.