Potential Interactions of Aldicarb and Its Metabolites on Nontarget Organisms in the Environment

Abstract

Laboratory evaluations were conducted with aldicarb pesticide and its metabolic degradation products to determine their effects on selected plants, insects and microorganisms. Except for aldicarb, aldicarb sulfoxide and aldicarb sulfone, which were toxic to insects and nematodes, none of the aldicarb metabolites were significantly toxic to the test organisms studied. The metabolic utilization of aldicarb by certain microorganisms should increase the rate of detoxification and result in the rapid dissipation of residues. The results imply that the growth of soil microorganisms should not be effected adversely by the concentrations of aldicarb applied for pest control.