These are conducted under extended laboratory, semi-field and field conditions with standard or special designs. All studies are planned and performed by a highly experienced team of scientists and technical personnel according to the recent guidelines (IOBC, OECD, ISO, EPA) and guidance documents.
World leaders in testing the effects of plant protection products (PPPs) on honey bees (Apis mellifera) and bumble bees (Bombus terrestris).
Our experts follow OECD Guidelines for laboratory studies and OPPTS guidelines for extended studies and have been actively involved in multiple international ring test groups. This activity has led to several OECD guidelines and guidance documents on laboratory testing methods.
Sampling of nectar, pollen and hive matrices (wax, pollen (bee bread), nectar / honey) can provide information to evaluate possible risks to pollinators from residual traces of plant protection products. The exposure of pollinators to potential residues is also possible via soil, plant matrices, water (vegetative plant material, flowers, guttation liquid) and dust generated during drilling of coated seeds.
To determine the amount of residues carried into the hive by forager bees after PPP application, honey stomach preparations are performed. Deep frozen samples of honey bees collected at intervals after application are sent to our laboratory where the bees are dissected for the manual extraction of their honey stomach contents. The pollen loads can also be collected for analysis. The obtained samples can be either analysed at our facility or stored until shipment to the selected analytical laboratory.
We offer a wide range of standardized laboratory studies to determine the ecotoxicological effects of plant protection products on non-target arthropods.
Studies can be conducted with leaf dwelling organisms such as parasitic wasps (Aphidius rhopalosiphi, Trichogramma cacoeciae), predatory mites (Typhlodromus pyri), aphidophagous predators (Chrysoperla carnea, Coccinella septempunctata) and anthocorid bugs (Orius laevigatus). Furthermore we offer studies with soil dwelling organisms like the carabid species Poecilus cupreus (adults and larvae), the staphylinid beetle Aleochara bilineata, and the lycosid spider genus Pardosa.
We also customize non-standard studies for specific issues. For example,
Furthermore, our group is involved in new test system development( e.g. with herbivorous butterfly larvae (Vanessa cardui and Pierris brassicae) feeding on test item treated leaves (exposure via food uptake) to address relevant requirements of current EFSA opinion papers.
Our experienced teams conduct ecotoxicological acute and chronic studies with soil organisms.
Our teams have more than 25 years experience in laboratory and field testing of ecotoxicological effects on earthworms, springtails and predatory mites.
This includes earthworms, micro-arthropods (springtails and mites) and soil microorganisms. In addition to the standard application, coated seeds, pellets, granules with formulations, actives and metabolites are tested using modified test designs. If required, verification of application can be linked to in-house residue analysis.
Semi-field and field tests (litterbag, earthworm field trials and micro-arthropod trials) can be performed throughout Europe, with soil organisms including earthworms, nematodes, several soil inhabiting arthropod species including micro-arthropods (collembolans and soil mites)..
We also customize non-standard studies for specific issues or species, for example:
Furthermore, our group is involved in new test system development( e.g. terrestrial isopod (Porcellio scaber) feeding on test item treated leaf litter) to address relevant requirements of current EFSA opinion papers.
Evaluate the potential effects of your plant protection product on emergence and vegetative vigour of plant seedlings.
We perform tests on seedling emergence and seedling early growth, observing the germination and growth of plant seeds or to evaluate the potential effects on the above-ground portions of plants.
Additionally, we can conduct tests using treated soil which are designed to determine the inhibition of growth and reproductive capability of higher plants according to ISO 22030. In accordance with OECD or OCSPP Guidelines, tests are performed under defined conditions in a greenhouse so these studies can be conducted all year round.
We also conduct customized studies with Non-Target Terrestrial Plants such as:
Furthermore, our group is involved in new test system development for (the testing of non-crop plant species and generative endpoints to address relevant requirements of current EFSA opinion papers.
We conduct studies for the testing of veterinary pharmaceuticals with dung organisms including the dung fly species Musca autumnalis and Scatophaga stercoraria, and the dung beetles Onthophagus taurus and Aphodius constans
This includes studies with the dung fly species Musca autumnalis and Scatophaga stercoraria and the dung beetles Onthophagus taurus and Aphodius constans. In these studies, the test organisms are exposed to the test substance mixed with cattle dung obtained from organic farming. We are members of the DOTTs group and have been involved in the development of the test guideline for dung flies and in the ring test with O. taurus.
The world’s premier avian safety laboratory.
Design and conduct of customized acute reproduction and safety assessment studies to evaluate pesticide hazard to avian species.
Established in 1985, our Easton, Maryland facility offer the full suite of required acute and reproduction studies (radiolabeled and unlabeled), as well as custom-designed investigations in non-traditional species or to meet client-specific needs.
In addition to commonly tested species such as northern bobwhite, quail, Japanese quail (Coturnix), mallard, zebra finch and canary, we have deep experience working with a variety of domestic and wild species, including chickens, pheasants, house sparrows, pigeons and partridge.
Standard and custom studies to fulfil the environmental risk assessment.
Eisenia fetida, Folsomia candida, Hypoaspis aculeifer, Typhldoromus pyri, Aphidius rhopalosiphi, Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris
