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Toxic effect of insecticides on earthworms reducing soil fertility in Pakistan.

. Sumaira Kanwal , Hina Mahreen , Shagufta Abbas, Shaheen Kousar, Sidra Muhyuddin & Shazia Perveen


Abstract

This research has been attempted to test acute toxicity of five commonly used insecticides in Pakistan. Two different methods, contact filter paper and artificial soil assessment were used for measuring toxicity effect on earthworm. Different concentrations of insecticides for 48 hours were used in contact filter paper test and found Sulfosulfuron super toxic to earthworms. In artificial soil test different concentrations of five insecticides were used for seven and fourteen days. Neonicotinoids however was found to be more toxic to earthworms after seven and even 14 days treatment. This research is limited to earthworms only, how much other beneficial organisms and nutrients are affected is not known. In order to save earthworms from such acute toxicity these insecticides should be emended.

 

 

Index Terms: Earthworm,Insecticide, Neonicotinoids, Sulfosulfuron, Toxicity.

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