Skip to Content
Merck
  • Effects of Fastac 50 EC on bumble bee Bombus terrestris L. respiration: DGE disappearance does not lead to increasing water loss.

Effects of Fastac 50 EC on bumble bee Bombus terrestris L. respiration: DGE disappearance does not lead to increasing water loss.

Journal of insect physiology (2012-09-11)
Riin Muljar, Reet Karise, Eneli Viik, Aare Kuusik, Ingrid Williams, Luule Metspalu, Külli Hiiesaar, Anne Must, Anne Luik, Marika Mänd
ABSTRACT

Sublethal effects of pesticides in insects can be observed through physiological changes, which are commonly estimated by metabolic rate and respiratory patterns, more precisely by the patterns of discontinuous gas-exchange (DGE) cycles. The aim of the present research was to study the effect of some low concentrations of Fastac 50 EC on the cycles of CO(2) release and respiratory water loss rates (WLR) in bumble bee Bombus terrestris L. foragers. Bumble bees were dipped into 0.004% and 0.002% Fastac 50 EC solution. Flow-through respirometry was used to record the respiration and WLR 3h before and after the treatment. The respirometry was combined with infrared actography to enable simultaneous recording of abdominal movements. Our results show that Fastac 50 EC has an after-effect on bumble bee respiratory rhythms and muscle activity but does not affect WLR. Treatment with 0.004% Fastac 50 EC solution resulted in disappearance of the respiration cycles; also the lifespan of treated bumble bees was significantly shorter. Treatment with 0.002% Fastac 50 EC solution had no significant effect on respiration patterns or longevity. We found no evidence for the DGE cycles functioning as a water saving mechanism.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Supelco
Cypermethrin solution, 100 μg/mL in acetonitrile, PESTANAL®, analytical standard
Supelco
α-Cypermethrin, PESTANAL®, analytical standard
Supelco
Cypermethrin, PESTANAL®, analytical standard
Supelco
Cypermethrin, certified reference material, TraceCERT®, Manufactured by: Sigma-Aldrich Production GmbH, Switzerland