Tübingen researchers ask: do herbicides alter ecosystems around the world?
Scant research makes it hard to prove.
The number of humans on the planet has almost doubled in the past 50 years ? and so has global food production. As a result, the use of pesticides and their effect on humans, animals and plants have become more important. Many laboratory studies have shown that pesticides can harm organisms which they were not meant to affect. Intensive farming is also linked to collapsing populations of wild animals and the endangerment of species such as amphibians. Can the biochemical effects of pesticides upset entire ecosystems?
Professor Heinz Köhler and Professor Rita Triebskorn from the University of Tübingen’s Institute of Evolution and Ecology (EvE) have published a study on the link between pesticides and changing ecological systems in the latest edition of “Science.” The two ecotoxicologists cite deficits in the research which have prevented recognition of the consequences of biochemical pesticide effects on a species population or on the composition of biological communities. “Although there are many indications of animal populations and ecosystems changing because of pesticides, there are few studies proving the connection without a doubt,” Köhler and Triebskorn say. The researchers point to mathematical and experimental approaches which can be used to recognize links between the effects of pesticides in individuals and ecological changes in biological communities and ecosystems in regions where intensive farming is practiced.
An important role is played by number of rare studies combining experimental fieldwork and research on sections of ecosystems, as well as a broad selection of chemical and biological analyses. An interdisciplinary approach can plausibly demonstrate connections between the effects of chemicals in humans and animals and the often indirect consequences on the population, community and ecosystem levels.
Köhler and Triebskorn also postulate interdependent effects between pesticides and global warming.
The Latest Bing News on:
Pesticides
- These DIY all natural pesticides will keep bugs out of your houseon April 26, 2024 at 7:49 am
Neem oil, derived from the seed of the Neem tree, is great for stopping ants and many other kinds of pests. Why? Its active component, azadirachtin, affects feeding and breeding of insects.
- New Consumer Reports investigation digs into dangers of pesticides in produceon April 26, 2024 at 6:59 am
A healthy diet consists of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, but some of the chemicals that are often used by produce farmers to help control bugs, fungi, and weeds raise concerns when it comes ...
- More Data Finds Long-Term Exposure to Toxic Pesticides Alters Human Gut Microbiome and Metabolismon April 25, 2024 at 9:01 pm
Researchers build on research when assessing the relationship between long-term exposure to organophosphorus pesticides and the human gut microbiome.
- This startup helps plants talk to farmers, reducing pesticides and agricultural wasteon April 25, 2024 at 10:06 am
InnerPlant’s technology uses fluorescents in the plants, so the leaves emit a signal when they are in distress.
- New Study Found an "Alarming" Amount of Pesticides in Produceon April 24, 2024 at 2:16 pm
After analyzing 59 different common conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, the report stated that 20% of these foods “posed significant risks” due to pesticides present. To find this data, ...
- Consumer Reports investigates: Produce without pesticideson April 24, 2024 at 1:15 pm
As many of us try to eat more fruits and vegetables, are we potentially putting ourselves at risk by also consuming harmful pesticides? A new investigation from Consumer Resorts digs deep into the ...
- Does Washing Produce Really Remove Pesticides?on April 24, 2024 at 8:00 am
Here are some practical steps to take if you're worried about harmful chemicals on your fruits and vegetables.
- African Brazilian communities fight a rain of pesticides & the company behind iton April 24, 2024 at 6:16 am
Beatriz Cassiano was working in her vegetable garden when she suddenly heard her grandson yelling, “Grandma, get out of there, get out, come in the house! The plane!” In an interview with Mongabay, ...
- U.S. Produce Contains High Levels of Pesticides, Consumer Reports Findson April 18, 2024 at 1:30 pm
The organization's latest investigation suggests that 20% of commonly sold fruits and vegetables have a high risk of exposure to dangerous pesticides.
- 'Unhealthy dose' of pesticides found in popular produce, new report revealson April 18, 2024 at 12:26 pm
Consumer Reports published a report on fruits and vegetables that have an unhealthy level of pesticides. About 20% of the fruit and vegetables posed a "significant" risk.
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Pesticides
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Pesticides” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
The Latest Bing News on:
Pesticides and changing ecological systems
- Ruling: Iowa state auditor must provide more evidence to justify withholding emailson April 26, 2024 at 5:45 pm
The state auditor's office must do more to justify its decision to withhold from public release emails between his office and two journalists, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled.
- More Data Finds Long-Term Exposure to Toxic Pesticides Alters Human Gut Microbiome and Metabolismon April 25, 2024 at 9:01 pm
Researchers build on research when assessing the relationship between long-term exposure to organophosphorus pesticides and the human gut microbiome.
- Wide Range of Harmful Effects of Pesticides Documented in Literature Reviewon April 25, 2024 at 6:55 am
In a study from earlier this year, scientists examined research regarding the use of harmful pesticides and adverse effects including genotoxicity.
- 10 times as much of toxic pesticide could end up on your tomatoes and celery under new EPA proposalon April 24, 2024 at 11:40 pm
Against the guidance of scientists, the EPA is relying on industry-backed tests to relax regulations on acephate ...
- Pesticide labels are changing, and growers should take noteon April 24, 2024 at 10:24 am
An ever-increasing number of pesticide labels require applicators to utilize the Bulletins Live! Two system to check for additional use limitations.
- Gravel gardens save time and water. Here’s how to create one.on April 23, 2024 at 9:01 am
Using a thick layer of gravel improves drainage and water runoff by helping the rainwater make its way to the soil underneath. And putting dry-loving plants into the gravel can dramatically reduce ...
- Concerning level of pesticides found in imported fruits and vegetables, report sayson April 22, 2024 at 1:30 pm
A new consumer report shows some of the fresh, frozen and canned non-organic fruits and vegetables could contain concerning levels of pesticides.
- What is biodiversity and why is it important? Here's what to know.on April 22, 2024 at 4:57 am
This Earth Day, learn about the millions of species of plants and animals and the vital role they all play in the planet's future.
- In largest ever study, Indigenous and local communities report the impacts of climate changeon April 17, 2024 at 10:30 pm
By Sonam Lama Hyolmo Indigenous peoples and local communities are already feeling the impacts of climate change, according to firsthand accounts documented in a new study. The authors of the paper, ...
- 2024's "Dirty Dozen": 12 Fruits and Vegetables With the Most Pesticideson April 16, 2024 at 5:03 am
The Environmental Working Group just released its 2024 Dirty Dozen report which lists the 12 fruit and vegetables with the most pesticides.
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Pesticides and changing ecological systems
[google_news title=”” keyword=”pesticides and changing ecological systems” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]