Widespread triazole pesticide use affects infection dynamics of a global amphibian pathogen

Barbi, A. et al. (2023) Widespread triazole pesticide use affects infection dynamics of a global amphibian pathogen. Ecology Letters, 26(2), pp. 313-322. (doi: 10.1111/ele.14154) (PMID:36592335)

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Abstract

The sixth mass extinction is a consequence of complex interplay between multiple stressors with negative impact on biodiversity. We here examine the interaction between two globally widespread anthropogenic drivers of amphibian declines: the fungal disease chytridiomycosis and antifungal use in agriculture. Field monitoring of 26 amphibian ponds in an agricultural landscape shows widespread occurrence of triazole fungicides in the water column throughout the amphibian breeding season, together with a negative correlation between early season application of epoxiconazole and the prevalence of chytrid infections in aquatic newts. While triazole concentrations in the ponds remained below those that inhibit growth of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, they bioaccumulated in the newts' skin up to tenfold, resulting in cutaneous growth-suppressing concentrations. As such, a concentration of epoxiconazole, 10 times below that needed to inhibit fungal growth, prevented chytrid infection in anuran tadpoles. The widespread presence of triazoles may thus alter chytrid dynamics in agricultural landscapes.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This research was made possible and funded by the Special Research Fund (BOF) of Ghent University (Nr. BOF16-GOA-024.08).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Greener, Mr Mark
Authors: Barbi, A., Goessens, T., Strubbe, D., Deknock, A., Van Leeuwenberg, R., De Troyer, N., Verbrugghe, E., Greener, M., De Baere, S., Lens, L., Goethals, P., Martel, A., Croubels, S., and Pasmans, F.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Ecology Letters
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1461-023X
ISSN (Online):1461-0248
Published Online:02 January 2023
Data DOI:10.6084/m9.figshare.21656099

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