Studies on relative toxicities of two pestticides on epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida from semi-arid tropical regions of Medak district

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the toxicological effects of imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos on Eisenia fetida. They were fed on laboratory with cow dung as culturing material and tested for toxicity. Imidacloprid was found to be the most hazardous insecticide at a 24-hour period, with an LC50 value of 5.84 mg kg−1 DW, while chlorpyrifos was the least toxic. The soil toxicity test showed that imidacloprid had the highest toxicity over a 14-day interval, with an LC50 value of 2.82 mg kg−1 DW. Chlorpyrifos showed minimal intrinsic toxicity to Eisenia fetida. The study concluded that imidacloprid is highly effective against target pests.