Pesticide immunotoxicity on insects – Are agroecosystems at risk?

Le résumé fourni par la source

Recent years have witnessed heightened scrutiny of the non-target sublethal effects of pesticides on behavioural and physiological traits of insects. Traditionally, attention has focused on investigating pesticides' primary modes of action, often overlooking the potential secondary mechanisms. This review brings forth the nuanced impacts of sublethal pesticide exposure on the immune system of target and non-target insect species. Pesticides, such as for example neonicotinoids, suppress immune response, while others, like certain organophosphates and some insect growth regulators (IGRs), appear to bolster immunocompetence under certain circumstances. Beyond their individual impacts, the synergic effects of pesticide mixtures on insect immunity are garnering increasing interest. This review thus summarizes recent advances in the immunomodulatory effects of pesticides, detailing both mechanisms and consequences of such interactions. The implications of these effects for ecosystem preservation and viability of beneficial organisms, such as pollinators and natural enemies of pests, are discussed. The review also considers further research directions on pesticide secondary modes of action and explores potential implications for integrated pest management (IPM) programs, as several model organisms studied are crop pest species. While current data provide an expansive overview of how insect innate immunity is modulated, concrete endpoints remain elusive requiring further research into pesticide secondary modes of actions. • The effects of biological and synthetic pesticides at sublethal doses on insect immunity are well documented. • Certain pesticides interfere with neuroendocrine-linked, cellular and humoral functions. • Pesticides increase insect susceptibility to pathogens and parasites. • Pesticides can either weaken or fortify insect immune response with potential fitness costs. • Pesticide immunotoxicity poses risk to ecosystem services by jeopardizing beneficial insects.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.