Non-target arthropods - field studies

Field studies involve realistic use of plant protection products, applied to experimental plots containing naturally occurring populations of invertebrates.  The range of species affected and the potential for recovery are evaluated for test products and include comparisons with water treated control plots and known reference products.  Effects of spray drift and the potential impact "off crop" are also studied in the field using reduced application rates.

Field studies with mites are conducted to the guideline of Blümel et al. (2000).  Typically conducted from our field station in Southern France, these studies look at populations of Phytoseiid mites throughout the growing season and usually take place in apples or vines.  Ecotox can also work with mites in vines in Germany and citrus in Sicily by working with recognised collaborators.

Large scale "full fauna" studies in relevant crops are used to determine the magnitude and duration of such effects and, in particular, to investigate the potential for recovery.  Treatments at reduced rates to simulate drift are used to determine the likelihood of "off crop" effects.