Title: Pyriproxyfen toxicity to fish and crustaceans: A literature review

Pyriproxyfen (PPF) is an insect growth regulator (IGR) class of pesticide that acts as a juvenile hormone agonist (JHA). It is widely used in Australia to manage red fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). Reports in the research literature show that PPF is toxic to fish and non-target crustaceans. This review aimed to compile and analyse the state of the art on PPF toxicity to fish and crustaceans.

The researchers conducted a comprehensive and critical review by searching combinations of English keywords on the main scientific databases. The articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

The findings demonstrated that exposure to different concentrations of PPF can have toxic effects on fish and crustaceans, resulting in histopathological damage to vital organs, reproductive dysfunction, and genetic changes.

In crustaceans, PPF caused changes in fecundity, increased male production, and induced changes in offspring.

In fish, histopathological changes were identified in organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, brain, and gonads.

Regarding reproduction, an increase in spermatogonial cysts in the testicles was reported, as well as the occurrence of atresia of oocytes in the female gonads. Furthermore, changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the presence of reactive oxygen species indicates oxidative stress and alterations in the expression of genes related to thyroid and growth hormones were induced by exposure of fish to PPF.

Flavio Kiyoshi Tominaga, Rafaella Silva Brito, Juliana Oliveira do Nascimento, Gisele Giannocco, Rui Monteiro de Barros Maciel, Fábio Kummrow & Bruno Fiorelini Pereira (2025). Pyriproxyfen toxicity to fish and crustaceans: A literature review, Environmental Research, Volume 274.



Extended summary available here





Attachments:
1-s2.0-S0013935125005468-ga1_lrg.jpg
Article: WeedsNews7117 (permalink)
Categories: :WeedsNews:research alert, :WeedsNews:pyriproxyfen, :WeedsNews:red fire ants, :WeedsNews:ants, :WeedsNews:water quality, :WeedsNews:insecticides, :WeedsNews:insects
Date: 20 July 2025; 3:56:49 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time

Author Name: David Low
Author ID: adminDavid