Folsomia candida (Collembola) locomotor activity pattern is changed by a neurotoxicant pesticide

Abstract

Behavioural traits, including locomotor activity, have become relevant parameters in contemporary ecotoxicology. However, insecticide effects on soil animal behaviour has remained a neglected field until now. The Trebon 30 EC is an expansively used pyrethroid insecticide in many countries, which has a broad spectrum of activity. It is recommended against pests of different vegetables, cereals, fruits, and flowers. The effect of this insecticide on the behaviour of collembola Folsomia candida has never been tested. Nevertheless, an effect is likely, because of the neurotoxic nature of the Trebon 30 EC insecticide. This study aimed to determine, (i) whether the Trebon 30 EC insecticide (active ingredient: etofenprox) prevails on the collembola F. candida locomotor activity pattern immediately after insecticide application and (ii) if there is any temporal change in the locomotor activity pattern within one hour of insecticide application. Prompt hyperactivity followed by strongly reduced locomotor activity of F. candida due to Trebon 30 EC application has been demonstrated in this study. Collembola started to run faster even when a tenfold concentration of the recommended field rate was applied. Moreover, this insecticide causes locomotor irregularity in F. candida. Chronic insecticide exposure has a negative impact on all studied locomotor traits of this collembola, resulting in a knockdown effect.