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Biorational substitution of piperonyl butoxide in organic production: effectiveness of vegetable oils as synergists for pyrethrums

  • Chemistry, Activity and Impact of Plant Biocontrol products
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Abstract

Piperonyl butoxide is a semi-synthetic synergist for natural pyrethrum and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides in phytochemicals and biocides. As such it is used in large quantities for crop treatments, stored grain protection, disinfestation of grain storage facilities and indoor uses. Piperonyl butoxide is consequently a regular contaminant in stored grains, and subsequently in corresponding cereal food products and meat via feed uses. Therefore it is regularly monitored and its MRL is ongoing a reassessment. It is also considered as a possible human carcinogen and a suspected endocrine disruptor. For all these reasons and considerations most of the countries have already banned its use in Organic Farming as France in 2017. Thus, ecological substitution of with biorational and sustainable solutions is required. Vegetable oils have been described as exhibiting similar potency and synergistic effects. We have reviewed the literature and have proceeded to ecotoxicological efficacy tests in order to determine the best and most durable substitution candidates. Sesame and rape seed oil were determined to be the most efficient.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thanks Taupier-Letage B. for his implication in the CASDAR program. Thanks also to Dr. Trevor M. Fenning for providing helpful advice on the editing and writing of the manuscript.

Financial support

This work about PBO substitution in organic production was initially supported by French Ministry of Agriculture -DGER (CASDAR Securbio (2011–2014) and later by French Ministry of Ecology - DGPR (Urgence PBO 2014–2015).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut Technique de l’Agriculture Biologique (ITAB), 149 rue de Bercy, F-75595, Paris Cedex 12, France

    Patrice A. Marchand & Rodolphe Vidal

  2. Syndicat National des Transformateurs de Produits Naturels et de Culture Biologique (Synabio), 16 Rue Montbrun, F-75014, Paris, France

    Claire Dimier-Vallet

Authors
  1. Patrice A. Marchand
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  2. Claire Dimier-Vallet
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  3. Rodolphe Vidal
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Patrice A. Marchand.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

Highlights

• Substitution of piperonyl butoxide by a biorational is needed in organic production.

• Sesame and canola oils are good synergistic candidates.

• Sunflower oil is not an efficient synergist.

• Sunflower oil is a good contact insecticide.

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Marchand, P.A., Dimier-Vallet, C. & Vidal, R. Biorational substitution of piperonyl butoxide in organic production: effectiveness of vegetable oils as synergists for pyrethrums. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25, 29936–29942 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-1057-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-1057-0

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