Ecotoxicology of pesticides in the tropical paddy field ecosystem

Abstract

In tropical countries rice has been identified as one of the crops that is particularly susceptible to the negative impacts of pesticide use. In addition to the physicochemical nature of the pesticide, tropical climatic conditions and agricultural practices play important roles in determining the fate and distribution of pesticides in the tropical paddy field ecosystem. The assessment of ecotoxicological effects of pesticides in the tropical paddy field ecosystem has been based primarily on acute lethality tests conducted on fish species commonly found in paddy fields. The effects of pesticides in the paddy field ecosystem on other nontarget organisms ranging from microalgae and cyanobacteria to paddy field crabs have also been investigated, although such studies are limited. As a means to promote a more judicious use of pesticides in the paddy field, the adoption of integrated pest management strategies have resulted in varying degrees of success. The most widely accepted form of control measure is the integration of multiresistant cultivars with reduced use of pesticides. Effective training of the paddy farmer has been identified as the key to successful implementation of integrated pest management strategies.

Source or Periodical Title

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

ISSN

7307268

Page

59-70

Document Type

Article

Subject

Ecotoxicology, Paddy field ecosystem, Pesticides, Tropics

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