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Research Article · Volume 57, Issue 6, 29 September 2025 · Open Access

Toxicity of Commonly Used Insecticides against Apis dorsata (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in South Punjab, Pakistan

· · · · ·

Affiliations & Notes ⌄
  1. 1Honeybee Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, PARC, Islamabad, Pakistan 2Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan 3Institute of Plant Protection, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan 4Department of Entomology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan 5Department of Environmental sciences, Kohsar University, Murree, Pakistan 6Yaqoob Group of Companies, (Pvt.) Ltd. Multan, Pakista
Article Info ⌄
Journal:
Pakistan Journal of Zoology
Published:
29 September 2025

From the article

  • In the present study, by using the residual application, pyriproxyfen was highly toxic after 48 h with an LD50 of 0.48 mg/L. Pyriproxyfen is considered to have low acute toxicity against adult honey bees.
  • Cypermethrin and abamectin are highly toxic to A. dorsata workers due to low LD50 values.
  • It is concluded that all insecticide combinations or certain classes of insecticides when combined yielded a toxic effect on bees.
  • Carbosulfan + Emamectin benzoate was found more toxic to A. dorsata.

Selected from the article's own text.

Abstract

Honeybees are considered important pollinators of economically important crops that play a significant role in food security. The population of honeybees is declining due to the non-judicious and extensive use of pesticides. The current study was planned to evaluate the toxicity of five solely (abamectin, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and pyriproxyfen) and two mixtures of insecticides (carbosulfan+emamectin benzoate and pymetrozine+dinotefuran) formulations against workers of Apis dorsata. Five concentrations of each insecticide were prepared in distilled water and two types of contact bioassay were used i.e. topical bioassay and surface residual bioassay. In topical bioassay, pymetrozine + dinotefuran was found the most toxic insecticide with lower LD50 values (0.09 mg/L) followed by abamectin (0.30 mg/L), carbosulfan+emamectin benzoate (0.68 mg/L) and cypermethrin (0.94 mg/L) after 48 h of exposure. Whereas, in surface residual bioassay, pymetrozine+dinotefuran was found the most toxic insecticide with lower LD50 values (0.30 mg/L) followed by pyriproxyfen (0.48 mg/L), cypermethrin (0.93 mg/L) and carbosulfan+emamectin benzoate (0.96 mg/L) after 48 h of exposure. In topical bioassay, carbosulfan+emamectin benzoate showed faster mortality with a low LT50 value (4.98 h at 2 mg/L) followed by pymetrozine+dinotefuran (6 h at 2 mg/L), cypermethrin (9.01 h at 16 mg/L) and abamectin (9.72 h at 16 mg/L). Whereas, in surface residual bioassay, cypermethrin showed faster mortality with a low LT50 value (2.65 h at 16 mg/L) followed by carbosulfan+emamectin benzoate (4.57 h at 2 mg/L), pymetrozine+dinotefuran (8.76 h at 2 mg/L) and abamectin (10.51 h at 16 mg/L). The findings of the present study revealed that insecticide mixtures were the most toxic towards A. dorsata followed by cypermethrin and abamectin alone. Therefore, care should be taken during the selection of insecticides for the control of pests in field crops.

Introduction

Pollination is one of the most important ecosystem services that is provided by insects ; ; . Among insect pollinators, bees are considered important pollinators , 2022; especially honeybees as they contribute to more than 80 % of insect pollination ; . Besides this, honeybees are also important because they provide many economically important products i.e., honey, royal jelly, bee pollen, propolis, bee venom, and wax ; ; , 2020). The giant honeybee, Apis dorsata is larger than other honeybees therefore its foraging range is significantly higher . Moreover, A. dorsata is considered the efficient pollinator of various agronomic crops, fruits, and vegetables ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; .

There are many pivotal factors i.e., climate change, urbanization, deforestation, industrialization, loss of biodiversity and their habitat, and extensive application of broad-spectrum pesticides that cause a decline in the population of honeybees especially non-domesticated like A. dorsata and A. florea ; . In Pakistan, the commercial production of crops mostly depends on the application of pesticides like insecticides, fungicides, weedicides, and entomopathogenic fungi ; , 2021). Among these pesticides, most of them are broad-spectrum and have widely been used since the 1940s ; . This extensive use of pesticides not only causes environmental pollution but also adversely affects the biodiversity of non-target organisms and human health ; ; ; ; ; , 2021, 2022).

Pesticide application is usually considered a quick, easy, and inexpensive method for the control of insect pests, weeds, and diseases. Insecticides are the most widely used group of pesticides in Pakistan ; . Currently, various classes of insecticides are available in the market for the control of insect pests i.e., organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, insect growth regulators (IGRs), botanicals, and some other insecticides derived from different origin that affect insect metabolism and nervous system ; .

The major factor leading to bees decline when bees pollinate the crops, is the direct or indirect exposure to insecticides, weedicides, fungicides and some other groups of pesticides that are applied to the crops via seed treatments, soil applications and foliar applications ; ; . After exposure, pesticides enter the foraging honeybees through two main routes such as ingestion of nectar and pollen and direct contact with sprayed parts of the plant . In opened flowers, nectar and pollen directly acquire pesticides that are applied via foliar applications. Whereas, in closed flowers, nectar and pollen acquire those pesticides that translocate systemically through the plant vascular system ; ; . Some pesticides applied during bloom can lead to direct exposure to pollinators ; .

The harmful effects of insecticides have been demonstrated for the honeybees ; ; ; ; and few wild bee species ; ; . Insecticides are considered a major factor that has a detrimental effect on honeybee colony characteristics such as development of deformed larvae and pupae, greater risk of pest attack, death of foraging bees, disturbance of antioxidant activities, acetylcholinesterase activity, learning process, behavioral stress and other biological aspects ; ; ; ; ; ; .

It is proven that insecticides are a major factor in the population decline of honeybees because of the slower detoxification mechanism that leads to the death of honeybees ; . Besides this, residues of insecticides have also been reported in hive products i.e., honey, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly and wax which may cause bio-magnification of insecticidal residues at higher trophic levels ; Gonzalez-Martin et al., 2017; ; ; .

From Pakistan, many studies reported the effects of various insecticides on honey bees i.e., Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758 and A. florea Fabricius, 1787 by using residual and diet incorporation bioassay ; ; , 2020; ; , but there is a scarce literature about the lethal effects of insecticides on A. dorsata Fabricius, 1793 . The current study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of seven insecticides among these, two are combinations of different insecticides against A. dorsata. The insecticides with different modes of action and usage history in the study area were used ; ; . Abamectin and emamectin benzoate affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors resulting in the disruption of nerve impulses ; ; . Acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and dinotefuran affect the activity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) ; . Carbosulfan causes the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) . Cypermethrin causes dysfunction of mitochondrial dehydrogenase . Pyriproxyfen is an insect growth regulator that affects the embryogenesis, morphogenesis, and reproduction of insects . Pymetrozine is an insect behavior regulator that causes rapid cessation of feeding .

The farmers have extensively used these insecticides on crops. Hence, the purpose of the study was to find out the most toxic and harmful insecticide for A. dorsata by topical application and residual bioassay so that recommendations can be made on their proper and judicious use to conserve honeybees in the area.

Materials and Methods

Insecticides

Commercially used five insecticides and two combinations of insecticides were purchased from their respective manufacturing companies to check their topical and residual contact toxicity against Apis dorsata under laboratory conditions (Table I).

Collection of Apis dorsata

For the collection of A. dorsata, three combs containing capped cells were directly collected from trees located at 3 different locations i.e., Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies (29.3784° N, 71.7696° E), Lal Suhanra National Park (29.4426° N, 71.9852° E), and the Agricultural Research Farm (29.3714° N, 71.7652° E). Smoke was continuously provided to calm down the A. dorsata and then removed from the comb with the help of a bee brush. Only the sealed brood portion was cut from the tree and placed in the plastic boxes. These combs were shifted to the laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Each comb was placed in a separate plastic cage provided with ad libitum 50% w/v sucrose solution. These cages were placed in the Incubator or Versatile Environmental Test Chamber MLR-352H (Panasonic Healthcare Co. Ltd.) at 35°C, 65% relative humidity, and without light for the emergence of bees .

Bioassay

The emerged bees were collected from the cages in plastic jars. Prior to conduct the bioassay, the jars were placed in a freezer to immobilize the worker bees by chilling for five min at -20 °C for easy handling . Two types of contact bioassay were used to check the toxicity of insecticides i.e., topical bioassay and surface residual bioassay. Five doses of each formulated insecticide were tested. Range finding bioassay was used to determine the proper range of doses for each insecticide. Thus, the highest and lowest doses of each insecticide needed to cause 100% and 0% mortality, respectively were determined. Solutions of doses 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mg/L for abamectin, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and pyriproxyfen and 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/L for carbosulfan+emamectin benzoate and pymetrozine+dinotefuran were prepared. To prepare the solution of each dose, 10 ml of distilled water was used.

Topical bioassay

For topical bioassays, 2 μl solution was applied on the thorax of a worker bee using the Burkard handheld micro applicator (Burkard Manufacturing Co. Ltd.). Ten newly emerged worker bees were treated with each solution. Control bees were treated with just 2 μl distilled water. Treated worker bees were released in plastic jars, provided ad libitum with a 50% w/v sucrose solution, and kept in an Incubator or Versatile Environmental Test Chamber MLR-352H (Panasonic Healthcare Co. Ltd.) at 28±2 °C temperature and 65±5% relative humidity for the duration of the test period.

Table I. List of insecticides used to check their topical and residual toxicity.

Chemical name with formulation

Trade name

Group

Mode of action

Recommended dose/acre

Manufacturer

Abamectin 1.8% EC

Flight

Avermectin

Stomach

400 ml

ICI

Cypermethrin 25% EW

Cypermethrin

Pyrethroid

Contact and stomach

200 ml

Kanzo AG

Imidacloprid 20% SL

Nexus

Neonicotinoid

Contact and stomach

250 ml

Swat Agro

Acetamiprid 20% SL

Acetamiprid

Neonicotinoid

Contact, stomach, and systemic

100-125 ml

Leader AG

Pyriproxyfen 10.8% EC

Pyriproxyfen

Insect growth regulator

Contact, stomach, and translaminar

400 ml

Swat Agro

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate 25% EW

Locater

Carbamate+ Avermectin

Contact, stomach, and systemic

250 ml

Leader AG

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran 60% WG

Veyong Jinteng

Pyridine+ Neonicotinoid

Contact, stomach, systemic and translaminar

100 grams

Jaffer Agro

*WG, Wettable granules; EC, Emulsifiable concentrate; SL, Soluble liquid; EW, Emulsions in water.

Residual bioassay

For surface residual bioassay, a 5 ml solution of each dose was poured into 2-L plastic jars, shaken thoroughly for 2 min, and air dried ; , 2020). Ten newly emerged worker bees were released in each treated jar, provided ad libitum with a 50% w/v sucrose solution and kept in an incubator at 28±2 °C temperature and 65±5% relative humidity for the duration of the test period.

Assessment of bees mortality

Mortality for both topical and surface residual bioassays was assessed 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after the application of insecticides. The treated bees mortality was recorded during the bioassay.

Statistical analysis

To determine the LD50, LT50, chi-square and 95% confidence interval, Probit analysis (Finny, 1971) was performed by using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. The percent mortality was calculated by using Abbott’s formula as follows:

Figure 1.

Results

Estimation of LD50 in topical bioassay

The toxicity of different insecticides by using topical application is presented in Table II. The combinations of two insecticides were more toxic to Apis dorsata than solely used insecticides. Carbosulfan + Emamectin benzoate was found more toxic after 6h with low LD50 value (7.66 mg/L) whereas, Pymetrozine+dinotefuran was found more toxic after 12, 24 and 48 h with LD50 of 0.48, 0.10 and 0.09 mg/L, respectively. Among solely used insecticides, topical application of cypermethrin was highly toxic after 6 and 12 h whereas after 24 and 48 h abamectin was more toxic (Table II).

Table II. Topical median lethal dose (LD50) of different insecticides against Apis dorsata.

Insecticides

Time (h)

LD50 (mg/L)

95% CI

df

χ2

p value

Abamectin

6

20.59

0.014-0.194

4

1.337

0.023

Cypermethrin

17.31

0.011-0.156

4

1.851

0.025

Imidacloprid

19.86

0.014-0.184

4

1.763

0.022

Acetamiprid

22.21

0.001-0.239

4

1.060

0.048

Pyriproxyfen

20.59

0.014-0.194

4

1.337

0.023

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

7.66

0.002-0.136

4

1.243

0.042

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

14.34

0.001-0.136

4

0.930

0.046

Abamectin

12

10.82

0.003-0.136

4

2.247

0.039

Cypermethrin

10.60

0.007-0.141

4

1.859

0.030

Imidacloprid

18.10

0.018-0.178

4

0.870

0.016

Acetamiprid

19.86

0.014-0.184

4

1.763

0.022

Pyriproxyfen

14.34

0.001-0.136

4

0.930

0.046

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

1.13

0.032-0.298

4

1.580

0.015

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

0.48

0.281-1.574

4

0.637

0.005

Abamectin

24

2.43

0.047-0.298

4

0.207

0.007

Cypermethrin

2.44

0.018-0.176

4

0.161

0.016

Imidacloprid

14.34

0.001-0.136

4

0.930

0.046

Acetamiprid

9.31

0.018-0.154

4

0.264

0.013

Pyriproxyfen

6.85

0.005-0.140

4

1.457

0.034

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

0.68

0.011-0.858

4

0.566

0.045

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

0.10

0.202-2.122

4

0.420

0.018

Abamectin

48

0.30

0.008-0.557

4

0.397

0.043

Cypermethrin

0.94

0.030-0.343

4

0.061

0.02

Imidacloprid

2.97

0.064-0.352

4

0.889

0.005

Acetamiprid

2.05

0.044-0.305

4

0.498

0.009

Pyriproxyfen

1.18

0.038-0.380

4

0.584

0.017

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

0.68

0.011-0.858

4

0.566

0.045

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

0.09

0.002-0.356

4

2.192

0.048

Percent mortality by topical bioassay

The mortality increased with the increase in dose and exposure time. The lowest mortality was recorded at 1 mg/L ranging from 0% to 56% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to abamectin whereas 100% mortality was recorded at 8 and 16 mg/L after 24 and 48 h of exposure (Fig. 1A). The lowest mortality was recorded at 1 mg/L ranging from 0% to 44% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to cypermethrin whereas 100% mortality was recorded at 16 mg/L after 48 h of exposure (Fig. 1B). The lowest mortality was recorded at 1 and 2 mg/L ranging from 0% to 33% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to imidacloprid whereas the highest was at 16 mg/L from 30 to 100% after 6 and 48 h of exposure (Fig. 1C). The lowest mortality was recorded at 1 mg/L ranging from 0% to 33% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to acetamiprid whereas the highest was at 16 mg/L from 20 to 100% after 6 and 48 h of exposure (Fig. 1D). The lowest mortality was recorded at 1 mg/L ranging from 0% to 44% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to pyriproxyfen whereas the highest was at 16 mg/L from 30% to 100% after 6 and 48 h of exposure (Fig. 1E). The lowest mortality was recorded at 0.125 mg/L ranging from 20% to 44% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to carbosulfan + emamectin benzoate whereas 100% mortality was recorded at 1 and 2 mg/L after 12, 24 and 48 h of exposure (Fig. 1F). The lowest mortality was recorded at 0.125 mg/L ranging from 10% to 67% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to pymetrozine+dinotefuran whereas 100% mortality was recorded at 1 and 2 mg/L after 24 and 48 h of exposure (Fig. 1G).

Estimation of LD50 in residual bioassay

The toxicity of different insecticides by using surface residual bioassay is presented in Table III. The combinations of two insecticides were also more toxic to Apis dorsata than solely used insecticides in terms of surface residual bioassay. Pymetrozine+dinotefuran was found more toxic after 6 and 48 h with low LD50 values of 2.26 and 0.30 mg/L, respectively. Carbosulfan + Emamectin benzoate was found more toxic after 12 and 24 h with LD50 of 0.39 and 0.21 mg/L, respectively. Among solely used insecticides, surface treatment of cypermethrin was highly toxic after 6, 12, and 24 h whereas after 48 h pyriproxyfen was more toxic (Table III).

Percent mortality by residual bioassay

In case of surface residual bioassay, the lowest mortality was recorded at 1 mg/L ranging from 0% to 33% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to abamectin whereas 100% mortality was recorded at 8 and 16 mg/L after 48 h of exposure (Fig. 2A). The lowest mortality was recorded at 1 mg/L ranging from 20% to 44% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to cypermethrin whereas 100% mortality was recorded at 8 and 16 mg/L after 48 h of exposure (Fig. 2B). The lowest mortality was recorded at 1 and 2 mg/L ranging from 0% to 30% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to imidacloprid whereas the highest was at 16 mg/L from 20% to 100% after 6 and 48 h of exposure (Fig. 2C). The lowest mortality was recorded at 1 mg/L ranging from 0% to 33% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to acetamiprid whereas the highest was at 16 mg/L from 20 to 100% after 6 and 48 h

Table III. Residual median lethal dose (LD50) of different insecticides against Apis dorsata.

Insecticides

Time (h)

LD50 (mg/L)

95% CI

df

χ2

p value

Abamectin

6

19.05

0.015-0.178

4

3.334

0.021

Cypermethrin

10.93

0.002-0.134

4

0.496

0.045

Imidacloprid

26.20

0.013-0.188

4

3.044

0.090

Acetamiprid

22.21

0.001-0.239

4

1.060

0.048

Pyriproxyfen

19.86

0.014-0.184

4

1.763

0.022

Carbosulfan + Emamectin benzoate

10.60

0.007-0.141

4

1.859

0.030

Pymetrozine + Dinotefuran

2.26

0.142-1.372

4

0.87

0.016

Abamectin

12

10.87

0.015-0.150

4

1.958

0.016

Cypermethrin

5.33

0.000-0.134

4

1.264

0.051

Imidacloprid

15.37

0.014-0.154

4

0.238

0.018

Acetamiprid

15.02

0.037-0.188

4

1.245

0.004

Pyriproxyfen

15.69

0.004-0.141

4

0.279

0.037

Carbosulfan + Emamectin benzoate

0.39

0.172-1.424

4

0.148

0.012

Pymetrozine + Dinotefuran

1.41

0.162-1.251

4

1.255

0.011

Abamectin

24

2.94

0.037-0.207

4

2.098

0.005

Cypermethrin

1.42

0.020-0.185

4

0.982

0.015

Imidacloprid

6.56

0.031-0.175

4

0.967

0.005

Acetamiprid

6.59

0.027-0.170

4

0.770

0.007

Pyriproxyfen

7.46

0.013-0.149

4

1.469

0.020

Carbosulfan + Emamectin benzoate

0.21

0.020-0.366

4

2.472

0.029

Pymetrozine + Dinotefuran

0.54

0.586-2.523

4

0.790

0.002

Abamectin

48

1.70

0.110-0.933

4

0.263

0.013

Cypermethrin

0.934

0.030-0.844

4

0.047

0.035

Imidacloprid

3.96

0.078-0.356

4

0.190

0.002

Acetamiprid

1.99

0.055-0.395

4

0.061

0.010

Pyriproxyfen

0.48

0.012-0.176

4

1.063

0.024

Carbosulfan + Emamectin benzoate

0.96

0.002-0.356

4

2.192

0.048

Pymetrozine + Dinotefuran

0.30

0.590-3.459

4

0.379

0.006

of exposure (Fig. 2D). The lowest mortality was recorded at 1 mg/L ranging from 0% to 33% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to pyriproxyfen whereas the highest was at 16 mg/L from 30% to 89% after 6 and 48 h of exposure (Fig. 2E). The lowest mortality was recorded at 0.125 mg/L ranging from 10 to 44% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to carbosulfan+emamectin benzoate whereas 100% mortality was recorded at 2 mg/L after 24 and 48 h of exposure (Fig. 2F). The lowest mortality was recorded at 0.125 mg/L ranging from 0% to 22% after 6 and 48 h of exposure to pymetrozine + dinotefuran whereas 100% mortality was recorded at 2 mg/L after 24 and 48 h of exposure (Fig. 2G).

Estimation of LT50

The LT50 of different insecticides by using a topical application is presented in Tables IV and V. The results showed that LT50 values decreased with an increase in the concentration of insecticides. The minimum LT50 values were recorded for abamectin 37.05 h at 1 mg/L, 33.67 h at 2 mg/L and 23.77 h at 4 followed by cypermethrin 43.04 h at 1 mg/L, 34.30 h at 2 mg/L and 24.68 h at 4 mg/L and vice versa at 8 and 16 mg/L. Whereas, the highest LT50 values were recorded for imidacloprid (Table IV). The minimum LT50 values were recorded for Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate 39.74 h at 0.125 mg/L, 9.62 h at 0.25 mg/L, 6.39 h at 0.5 mg/L, and 4.98 h at 2 mg/L whereas at 1 mg/L (3.25 h) for Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran (Table V).

The LT50 of different insecticides by using surface residual bioassay is presented in Tables VI and VII. The results showed that LT50 values decreased with an increase in the concentration of insecticides. The minimum LT50 values were recorded for cypermethrin 44.77 h at 1 mg/L, 25.09 h at 2 mg/L, 14.49 h at 4 mg/L, 5.25 h at 8 mg/L, and 2.65 h at 16 mg/L followed by acetamiprid 50.98 h at 1 mg/L, pyriproxyfen 39.84 at 2 mg/L and abamectin 19.92 h at 4 mg/L, 12.53 h at 8 mg/L and 10.51 h at 16 mg/L. Whereas the highest LT50 values were recorded for imidacloprid (Table VI). The minimum LT50 values were recorded for Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate 42.99 h at 0.125 mg/L, 13.24 h at 0.25 mg/L, 10.27 h at 0.5 mg/L, 5.67 h at 1 mg/L and 4.47 h at 2 mg/L (Table VII).

Table IV. Topical median lethal time (LT50) of different insecticides against Apis dorsata.

Insecticides

Dose (mg/L)

LT50 (h)

95% CI

df

χ2

p value

Abamectin

1

37.05

0.009-0.063

3

2.824

0.009

Cypermethrin

43.04

0.011-0.068

3

2.737

0.007

Imidacloprid

57.86

0.005-0.089

3

0.629

0.028

Acetamiprid

50.98

0.012-0.082

3

1.645

0.009

Pyriproxyfen

46.69

0.012-0.073

3

0.684

0.006

Abamectin

2

33.67

0.023-0.083

3

2.981

0.001

Cypermethrin

34.30

0.004-0.055

3

1.501

0.024

Imidacloprid

52.96

0.006-0.066

3

0.840

0.021

Acetamiprid

44.78

0.017-0.083

3

2.748

0.003

Pyriproxyfen

42.80

0.006-0.061

3

2.555

0.016

Abamectin

4

23.77

0.014-0.070

3

1.838

0.003

Cypermethrin

24.68

0.003-0.055

3

1.109

0.028

Imidacloprid

36.44

0.017-0.074

3

0.144

0.002

Acetamiprid

36.94

0.025-0.087

3

0.766

0.001

Pyriproxyfen

27.06

0.017-0.073

3

0.675

0.002

Abamectin

8

14.85

0.037-0.177

3

1.070

0.003

Cypermethrin

14.49

0.011-0.073

3

0.375

0.007

Imidacloprid

29.06

0.015-0.070

3

0.178

0.003

Acetamiprid

28.44

0.020-0.078

3

0.491

0.001

Pyriproxyfen

21.42

0.022-0.086

3

1.244

0.001

Abamectin

16

9.72

0.036-0.294

3

0.234

0.012

Cypermethrin

9.01

0.016-0.156

3

0.004

0.017

Imidacloprid

17.77

0.020-0.095

3

1.461

0.003

Acetamiprid

17.32

0.030-0.138

3

0.150

0.002

Pyriproxyfen

13.67

0.019-0.114

3

0.352

0.006

Table V. Topical median lethal time (LT50) of insecticide mixtures against Apis dorsata.

Insecticides

Dose (mg/L)

LT50(h)

95% CI

df

χ2

p value

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

0.125

39.74

0.010-0.040

3

1.161

0.230

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

40.32

0.002-0.048

3

2.016

0.075

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

0.25

9.62

0.002-0.052

3

1.417

0.075

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

22.01

0.010-0.064

3

0.655

0.008

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

0.5

6.39

0.003-0.061

3

2.157

0.077

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

10.76

0.010-0.073

3

1.530

0.010

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

1

6.18

0.002-0.311

3

0.051

0.053

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

3.25

0.004-0.069

3

2.419

0.027

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

2

4.98

1.845-2.883

3

0.001

0.667

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

6.00

0.002-0.430

3

0.001

0.520

Table VI. Residual median lethal time (LT50) of different insecticides against Apis dorsata.

Insecticides

Dose (mg/L)

LT50 (h)

95% CI

df

χ2

p value

Abamectin

1

51.09

0.005-0.063

3

1.801

0.023

Cypermethrin

44.77

0.007-0.043

3

0.237

0.159

Imidacloprid

62.87

0.002-0.059

3

1.081

0.067

Acetamiprid

50.98

0.012-0.082

3

1.645

0.009

Pyriproxyfen

52.96

0.006-0.066

3

0.840

0.021

Abamectin

2

42.80

0.006-0.061

3

2.555

0.016

Cypermethrin

25.09

0.001-0.049

3

0.056

0.065

Imidacloprid

60.84

0.003-0.056

3

2.340

0.074

Acetamiprid

43.04

0.011-0.068

3

2.737

0.007

Pyriproxyfen

39.84

0.013-0.069

3

1.540

0.004

Abamectin

4

19.92

0.023-0.089

3

1.877

0.001

Cypermethrin

14.49

0.011-0.073

3

0.375

0.007

Imidacloprid

41.03

0.001-0.052

3

2.032

0.043

Acetamiprid

35.30

0.024-0.085

3

1.613

0.001

Pyriproxyfen

31.57

0.013-0.068

3

0.943

0.003

Abamectin

8

12.53

0.020-0.137

3

0.056

0.008

Cypermethrin

5.25

0.006-0.104

3

0.424

0.029

Imidacloprid

26.68

0.023-0.082

3

3.363

0.001

Acetamiprid

22.81

0.025-0.091

3

0.695

0.001

Pyriproxyfen

23.81

0.013-0.068

3

0.552

0.004

Abamectin

16

10.51

0.026-0.174

3

0.115

0.008

Cypermethrin

2.65

0.001-0.123

3

0.058

0.052

Imidacloprid

13.80

0.027-0.155

3

0.303

0.005

Acetamiprid

13.80

0.027-0.155

3

0.303

0.005

Pyriproxyfen

14.49

0.011-0.073

3

0.375

0.007

Discussion

The study of pesticide effects on honeybees is vital because of the need to control a wide variety of agricultural pests without deleterious impact on bees. This toxicity study provides valuable information about the harmful effects of insecticides on wild honeybees. In both topical and residual methods, cypermethrin was highly toxic for Apis dorsata workers after 6 h (topical: 17.31 mg/L and residual: 10.93 mg/L) and 12 h (topical: 10.60 mg/L and residual: 5.33 mg/L). Pyrethroids are highly toxic insecticides even in small doses for both beneficial and harmful insects . Cypermethrin is a highly toxic insecticide to honeybees because it shows its effect within two days . The age of the bees could be the major factor in the susceptibility of bees. Delabie et al. (1985) found that the susceptibility of A. mellifera to cypermethrin increases with increasing the age of the bee. Contrarily to our findings, few studies found that cypermethrin was less toxic to honeybees than other insecticides i.e., imidacloprid, fipronil, indoxacarb, malathion, clothianidin and thiamethoxam ; ; . These differences could be due to several factors i.e., the origin of the population, age of bees, the effect of post-treatment temperature, and application methods which can influence the toxicity of insecticides.

In the present study, by using the topical application, abamectin was highly toxic after 24 and 48 h with LD50 of 2.43 mg/L and 0.30 mg/L, respectively. Baolan et al. (2017) concluded that oral abamectin was highly toxic to honeybees, and acute poisoning resulting from high-dose exposure normally led to instant death. Many studies reported that abamectin showed its insecticidal activity after 7 days of application against stored grain insect pests ; . Few factors i.e., exposure interval and increase in dose rate enhanced the efficacy of abamectin . In the present study, by using the residual application, pyriproxyfen was highly toxic after 48 h with an LD50 of 0.48 mg/L. Pyriproxyfen is considered to have low acute toxicity against adult honey bees.

Table VII. Residual median lethal time (LT50) of insecticide mixtures against Apis dorsata.

Insecticides

Dose (mg/L)

LT50 (h)

95% CI

df

χ2

p value

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

0.125

42.99

0.005-0.045

3

1.990

0.125

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

62.87

0.002-0.059

3

1.081

0.067

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

0.25

13.24

0.004-0.059

3

2.055

0.024

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

43.72

0.001-0.053

3

0.815

0.043

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

0.5

10.27

0.008-0.070

3

0.653

0.014

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

30.20

0.010-0.063

3

1.056

0.007

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

1

5.67

0.000-0.064

3

1.462

0.053

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

16.62

0.016-0.079

3

1.178

0.003

Carbosulfan+Emamectin benzoate

2

4.57

0.032-0.380

3

0.004

0.098

Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran

8.76

0.027-0.254

3

0.537

0.015

Machado Baptista et al. (2009) concluded that the direct application of pyriproxyfen on A. mellifera workers led to an LT50 value of 466 h. Costa et al. (2013) found the LT50 value of more than 100 h by direct spraying 0.1 g a.i./L of pyriproxyfen on groups of 10 honeybees. The absorption of pyriproxyfen and subsequently its toxicity mostly depended on the solvent used. For example, acetone might cause an underestimation of the adverse effects due to restricted absorption. Whereas, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) significantly enhances the absorption of pyriproxyfen .

In the present study, the combinations of two insecticides were more toxic to A. dorsata than solely used insecticides. Most of the studies reported that the binary mixtures of pesticides are more toxic to honeybees ; ; ; ; ; Wang et al., 2020a, 2020b, 2020c). In both topical and residual methods, Carbosulfan + Emamectin benzoate showed a knockdown effect and was found more toxic than Pymetrozine+dinotefuran. Carbosulfan and emamectin benzoate showed synergistic effects however having different modes of action. Carbosulfan causes the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) whereas, emamectin benzoate affects gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors resulting in the disruption of nerve impulse ; ; . Several studies have reported that carbosulfan and emamectin benzoate are lethal to honey bees ; ; ; . The absorption coefficient of avermectins is high and due to this reason, avermectins are considered highly toxic to bees. Emamectin benzoate is more toxic due to its lower detoxification during metabolism and it can penetrate more through insect cuticle ; . Anwar et al. (2022) reported that emamectin benzoate caused high mortality in A. florea at 12h, 24h and 48h with LC50 values of 2.01, 1.67, and 1.02 g/mL after 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h when incorporated with diet. However, field trials conducted on emamectin benzoate have shown a low lifespan in the sunlight. Thus, it can be added to the integrated pest management program depending on the location .

By using the topical application, the minimum LT50 values were recorded for abamectin whereas, by residual method, the minimum LT50 values were recorded for cypermethrin. The main factors that affect the mortality in bioassays are the choice of insecticide bioassay response, the stage of the insects, health of the organism, bioassay environment, method of application, diet, sample size, sampling, and operator skill . Aljedani (2017) found that abamectin has an adverse effect on A. mellifera that causes faster mortality with a minimum LT50 value of 21.026 h as compared to deltamethrin which has an LT50 value of 72.011 h. Anwar et al. (2022) also recorded the minimum LT50 values i.e., 5.09 h at 10 µg/ml and 5.63 h at 40 µg/ml for emamectin benzoate against A. florea. In the present study, the minimum LT50 values were recorded for carbosulfan + emamectin benzoate. Carbosulfan and emamectin benzoate are considered lethal insecticides to beneficial insects because of their lower detoxification during metabolism ; ; .

Conclusion

Apis dorsata, the giant honeybee is considered the efficient pollinator in the studied locality of the Punjab province, Pakistan. It is crucial not only for providing ecological services but also for honey production. However, the extensive use of broad-spectrum pesticides significantly reduces their population. Cypermethrin and abamectin are highly toxic to A. dorsata workers due to low LD50 values. Nowadays, insecticide mixtures are commonly used for the efficient control of pests that have a lethal effect on honeybees. It is concluded that all insecticide combinations or certain classes of insecticides when combined yielded a toxic effect on bees. Carbosulfan + Emamectin benzoate was found more toxic to A. dorsata. Due to field application of pesticides during bloom, their residues persist in pollen grains resulting in behavioral changes, physiological changes, and mortality. Honeybees have minor adaptations so care should be taken during pesticide application to conserve their population and associated environmental benefits.

Declarations

Acknowledgement

We are thankful to Muhammad Khalid Rafique for the guidance regarding the collection of Apis dorsata capped brood combs.

Funding

This study was funded by the Agricultural Linkages Program (ALP) of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) under project “Conservation of native bees through ecosystem approach for enhanced crop pollination”.

Ethical statement and IRB approval

The study was approved by the Departmental Research Committee of the Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur.

Statement of conflict of interest

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1..
Corrected percentage mortality of A. dorsata after 6, 12, 24 and 48 h of exposure to different insecticides in topical bioassay. (A) Abamectin, (B) Cypermethrin, (C) Imidacloprid, (D) Acetamiprid, (E) Pyriproxyfen, (F) Carbosulfan+Emamectin, (G) Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2..
Corrected percentage mortality of A. dorsata after 6, 12, 24 and 48 h of exposure to different insecticides in residual bioassay. (A) Abamectin, (B) Cypermethrin, (C) Imidacloprid, (D) Acetamiprid, (E) Pyriproxyfen, (F) Carbosulfan+Emamectin, (G) Pymetrozine+Dinotefuran.

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