Glyphosate is mentioned as a factor in the sharp decline of insects.
That insects disappear when their food plants are destroyed is clear. There are controversial views on the direct effect of glyphosate on the metabolism and thus on the viability of insects.
Who knows about investigations in both directions?
As a general rule, herbicides exhibit low toxicity to insects because insects lack the target receptor. I have not yet come accross an article showing direct negative impact of glyphosate on insects
Dear Dr. Ritt,
I came across an interesting article dealing with glyphosat altering behaviour in Apis. Herbert et al 2014: Effects of field-realistic doses of glyphosate on honeybee appetitive behaviour J Exp Biol (http://jeb.biologists.org/content/217/19/3457.long). According to the article learning success was impaired by glyphosate administered over a period of time in honey bees. In which way glyphosat acts is not described, since only behavioural assays were conducted. In social insects, learning behaviour is crucial for colony survival. It is at least an interesting point to consider when coining a herbicide "harmless for insects".
Thank you, Mr. Sarhat, for telling me these links!
There are investigations about honeybees and butterflies (Danaus plexippus).
Dear Dr. Rudolf Ritt Sir,
Please also have a look at these useful RG links.
Article The direct and indirect effects of a glyphosate-based herbic...
Article Effect of glyphosate herbicide on the behavior of soil arthr...
Regards
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