Cyantraniliprole: Pollinator profile of the novel insecticides under laboratory, semi-field and field conditions

Abstract

Background: The pollinator profile of cyantraniliprole, a systemic anthranilic diamide insecticide, with foliar or soil applications between 12.5 to 150 g a.s./ha, was investigated.
Results: Cyantraniliprole - tested up to maximum water solubility level – caused no increased acute oral or contact honeybee mortality. The lowest LD50 values for formulated cyantraniliprole were 0.39 (oral) and 0.63 (contact) μg cyantraniliprole/ honeybee, respectively. The oral toxicity of 4 plant metabolites was maximally similar to cyantraniliprole or no oral toxicity was determined up to maximal water solubility level. Cyantraniliprole spray deposits at 150 g a.s./ha and aged for ≥ 3 hours pose low risk for honeybees. Cyantraniliprole use may results in residues in pollen and nectar, but oral honeybee risk assessments indicate low risk for honeybees via oral exposure. In semi-field and field honeybee tests low risk for honeybees was confirmed. Tomato greenhouse study results demonstrate that there is an excellent fit between the use of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) for pollination and cyantraniliprole – applied either via spray or drip irrigation.
Conclusion: Based on a comprehensive data package it was found that the intended uses of DuPont cyantraniliprole formulations pose low risk for pollinators.