A review of toxicity testing and degradation studies used to predict the effects of diflubenzuron (Dimilin®) on estuarine crustaceans

Abstract

This review surveys the pertinent literature on the effects of diflubenzuron (Dimilin®) on non-target crustacean species when applied for mosquito control to freshwater and saltwater habitats. Freshwater research has focused on field testing, while estuarine research has been limited almost exclusively to laboratory toxicity studies. Several experimental design factors may affect the toxicity and persistence of diflubenzuron. These factors include formulation, frequency of application (exposure), presence of organic matter and sediment in the test system, pH and water temperature. Biological factors such as the age of the test organism and the frequency and synchrony of moulting during the exposure period also influence the observed response of the experimental crustacean population. Assessment of the impact of DFB on estuarine crustaceans is difficult as few studies have been conducted under conditions appropriate to its use in saltmarsh mosquito control.