Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

Banned in Europe, sprayed in America: The fungicide threatening our pollinators


Macquarie University researchers reveal that chlorothalonil, still commonly sprayed on American and Australian produce, cripples insect fertility by more than a third at residue levels typically found on food. The unexpectedly sharp drop in fruit-fly egg production suggests cascading damage to pollinator populations vital for crops and ecosystems. Although the fungicide is outlawed in the EU, Australian growers often apply it preventively, underscoring regulatory blind spots. Scientists urge scaled-back spraying and sustainable alternatives to stop a hidden contributor to global insect decline.

None

Get the Android app

Or read this on ScienceDaily

Read more on:

Photo of pollinators

pollinators

Photo of fungicide

fungicide

Photo of America

America

Related news:

News photo

IVF and IUI pregnancy rates remain stable across Europe, despite an increasing uptake of single embryo transfer - EurekAlert!

News photo

How to make America healthy: the real problems — and best fixes

News photo

From cards to code: Reviving Europe’s battle against biliary atresia - EurekAlert!