Plant protection products - general

Ecotox evaluates the environmental safety of plant protection products for companies seeking registration primarily within Europe.

Ecotox also investigates the selectivity of products against a range of pests and their natural enemies in the laboratory and in agricultural crops.

Non-target arthropods

Beneficial arthropods are those which attack pests or serve as pollinators of crops.  Ladybird beetles and honey-bees are well known examples of this category.  The term "non-target arthropod" includes beneficial species but extends to other naturally occurring organisms in any ecosystem.  Evaluation of plant protection products begins with testing of indicator species that are known to be sensitive.  The concern is to protect the environment and therefore the non-target arthropods rather than just the beneficial species.  Where potential risks to the environment are detected, further work is carried out under natural conditions with more relevant species to determine the magnitude and duration of any harmful effects.