Objective of the study

This study is designed for assessing the effects of pesticides in soil on the reproductive output of collembolans (springtails). The species Folsomia candida or Folsomia fimetaria are exposed to a range of concentrations of the test substance either mixed into the soil or applied to the soil surface. The range of test concentrations is selected to encompass those likely to cause both sub-lethal and lethal effects over a period of 28 or 21 days, depending on the species used.

Circumstances under which the study is recommended to be required

Data with the active ingredient are recommended for all terrestrial outdoor uses.

Test organism or substrate

The study is conducted with Folsomia candida (juveniles 9-12 days old) or Folsomia fimetaria (adults 23-26 days old) species.

Test substance

• Technical grade active ingredient
• A study with the end-use product is recommended to be required if the toxicity of the pesticide product cannot be reliably predicted on the basis of the active ingredient alone.

Typical endpoints of the study

• Mortality of adult collembolans (LC₁₀, LC₅₀)
• Reproduction, e.g. number of juveniles produced (NOEC/LOEC and/or EC₁₀, EC₂₀, EC₅₀)
• A description of obvious physiological or pathological symptoms or distinct changes in behaviour;

Testing guidelines

The following test guidelines may be used for determination of the reproductive toxicity:

• OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals. Test No. 232: Collembolan Reproduction Test in Soil
• ISO 11267:2014: Soil quality — Inhibition of reproduction of Collembola (Folsomia candida) by soil contaminants containing an Annex A which describes testing under tropical conditions

Note: ISO guidelines are not available free of charge but need to be purchased from the International Organization for Standardization. Pesticide regulators, however, may be able to obtain a copy through their national standards organization