Possible synergistic effects on honeybees of pyrethroids and fungicides: the UK regulatory consideration

摘要

The synergistic effect of certain fungicides e.g. prochloraz, on the toxicity of pyrethroids to honeybees under laboratory conditions has been recognized for some time. Recent incidents of effects on honeybees involving the approved use of pyrethroids in tank mixture with fungicides reported to the UK Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) has prompted a detailed consideration of the potential problem in the UK. Evidence from the published literature, reports of incidents and information on the usage of pyrethroids in tank mixture with fungicides on the major flowering crop in the UK, oilseed rape, have been examined in order to gauge the extent of any problem. The implications of the conclusions reached for pesticide registration in the UKare considered.