Sensitivity of Non-target Arthropods and Beneficial Fungal Species to Chemical and Biological Plant Protection Products: Results of Laboratory and Semi-field Trials

Testing side-effects on beneficial organisms is increasingly important in the development of new pesticides and the reregistration of old active ingredients in Europe. This testing is partly done for regulatory assessment of potential risks to terrestrial, non-target arthropods, which are an important part of the environment, both in and out of crop fields. Tests are designed to determine the effects of pesticides on beneficial insects, mites or nematodes, used in Integrated Pest Management in horticulture. Direct acute toxicity is the most important parameter measured in such tests.