Effects of Agrochemicals on Fecundity, Moulting and Lifespan in Porcellio scaber
Yethu Krishnan M.
N.S.S College, Pandalam, Pathanamthitta- 689501, India.
Akhil Kumar S. *
N.S.S College, Pandalam, Pathanamthitta- 689501, India.
M.G. Sanal Kumar
N.S.S College, Pandalam, Pathanamthitta- 689501, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
One of the most amazing groups of invertebrates to successfully colonize land is the terrestrial isopod. Almost every evolutionary stage that allowed modern species to migrate away from the marine environment and inhabit every type of terrestrial habitat is represented by isopods. Diet, environment, and genetic composition are some of the variables that might affect fecundity, moulting, and longevity and are linked in complex ways. Agrochemicals show detrimental effects on biodiversity, water and air pollution, and soil health disruption. The live specimens were grown in a culture chamber and examined for the impact of agrochemicals on fecundity, moulting, and longevity. Bioassay were studied with agrochemicals like Indofil, 2,4-D, Carbofuran, and Sevin, including 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 ppm. The percentage mortality at various hours was analysed. Lethal and safe level concentration was observed by Probit analysis. The study found that the lifetime of young isopods and those that undergo their second moult varies significantly. Among various agrochemicals, the group of isopod treated with 2,4-D showed a decrease in average fecundity. It was observed that, the difference in Porcellio scaber life time could be due to the effect of agrochemicals on decreasing metabolic rate. While certain agrochemicals have been shown to be lethal, others may have sublethal effects, making their impacts on Porcellio scaber complex.
Keywords: Isopods, agrochemicals, fecundity, longevity