Avoidance response of different collembolan species to Betanal

Laboratory avoidance tests were conducted to assess the behavioural reactions of five common collembolan species (Isotoma anglicana, Heteromurus nitidus, Lepidocyrtus violaceus, Folsomia candida, Onychiurus armatus) towards the herbicide Betanal (active ingredient: phenmedipham) in soil. Betanal exerted a dose-dependent repellent action on all tested species. In the case of O. armatus, the sensitivity of the avoidance test exceeded that of mortality and reproduction tests. It is concluded that, in addition to ecotoxicological tests on mortality and reproduction, a test system for assessing behavioural responses could provide more detailed information on the impact of pesticides and other harmful substances on Collembola. (C) 2002 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.