Non-target organisms

Isidori M, Lavorgna M, Nardelli A, Pascarella L, Parella A (2005) Toxic and genotoxic evaluation of six antibiotics on non-target organisms. Sci Total Environ 346 87-98... 

Karim, A.A.R.A., A.A.M. Haridi, and E.A.E. Rayah. 1985. The environmental impacts of four insecticides on non-target organisms in the Gezira irrigation scheme canals of Sudan. Jour. Trop. Med. Hyg. 88 161-168. 

Hill IR (1985) Effects on non-target organisms in terrestrial and aquatic environments. In Leahey JP (ed) The pyrethroid insecticides. Taylor Francis, London... 

Inglesfield C (1989) Pyrethroids and terrestrial non-target organisms. Pestic Sci 27 387-428... 

Mainly comprised of plant protection products and biocidal products, pesticides are designed to influence fundamental processes in living organisms. They may have the potential to kill or control harmful organisms such as pests, but can also cause unwanted adverse effects on non-target organisms, human health and the environment (EC 2007). Both the hazards and benefits of pesticides are well documented in published literature and have been reviewed most recently by Cooper and Dobson (2007). 

Parasitio, miorosoopio roundworms, available as biologieal eontrol agents (see p.97) for slugs and vine weevil these are multiplying within the body eavity of a vine weevil. Completely harmless to non-target organisms. 

This chapter describes the main trends in ecopharmacovigilance, including an overview of the different contamination sources, fate, occurrence, toxicological effects on non-target organisms and associated risks. Moreover, perceived needs and gaps will be identified and the outcome of the discussion on this major issue will be provided. 

Even though they are found in concentrations well below the therapeutical level, a number of issues suggest the need for more knowledge of the potential health effects of highly diluted pharmaceuticals, ingested over the whole life span, for non-target organisms, as well as for human health. 

Many non-target organisms (which possess human- and animal-alike metabolic pathways, similar receptors or biomolecules) are inadvertently exposed to these substances [40, 58]. Since several APIs are known to interact with Cytochrome P-450, there is a potential risk of disruption in the homeostasis of non-target organisms. Moreover, pharmaceuticals that interact with the Glycoprotein-P (P-gp), a multidrug transporter that actively transports xenobiotics out of the cell, increase their sensitivity to environmental pollutants [17]. 

Sometimes the severity of a pest problem increases until the gardener must either actively control the problem or lose yield and quality. Following the basic principles of pest control will make control easier, more effective and less damaging to non-target organisms. 

When the problem is identified, select a pesticide that will control the problem but damage few other organisms. A properly selected treatment is more likely to be effective and less likely to damage beneficial insects and other non-target organisms. 

Obviously it s. important to know as much as possible about the mode of action of pesticides on NON-target organisms if the differential between them (pest and non-pest) is to be maximized. 

Kluwe WM, McNish R, Smithson K, et al. 1981. Depletion by 1,2-dibromoethane, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane, tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate, and hexachloro-1,3-butadiene of reduced non-protein sulfhydryl groups in target and non-target organs. Biochem Pharmacol 30 2265-2271. 

Jjemba P.K. and B.K Robertson (2003). The Pate and Potential Impact of Pharmaceutical Compounds to Non-Target Organisms in the Environment. Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Pharmaceutical and Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Water. Minneapolis MN (3/19/2003). National Groundwater Association. NGWA Press, pp. 184-194. 

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