A new study published in Royal Society Open Science reveals that clortalonil, a widely used fungicide, can seriously affect the reproduction of beneficial insects, including those used as model organisms. Researchers at Macquarie University found a 37% reduction in egg production in fruit flies exposed to the chemical during their larval development.
Even low concentrations of clortalonil, commonly found in fruits and vegetables, had a significant impact on insect fertility. The study’s lead author, Darshika Dissawa, notes that “even the lowest concentrations had a great impact.” Professor Fleur Ponton described the magnitude of the observed effects as “surprising.”
Clortalonil is used to prevent fungal diseases such as mildew and leaf blight in crops like blueberries, grapes, and citrus fruits. However, its use has been linked to population consequences, particularly for beneficial insects that are crucial to maintaining ecosystem balance.
The study’s findings raise concerns about the impact of clortalonil on pollinator species and the entire food web. As many other insects may be facing similar effects, the fruit fly was chosen as a model organism due to its basal position in the food chain. The researchers warn that insects like bees and wasps could also be suffering from similar physiological damage.
The study’s implications extend beyond the laboratory, highlighting the need to review the use of compounds that affect reproductive capacity and population balance, particularly in the context of a global crisis affecting pollinators.
Source: https://noticiasambientales.com/animals/warning-about-hidden-effects-of-one-of-the-most-widely-used-fungicides-and-the-reproduction-of-pollinating-insects