Global initiatives are driving a reduction in applications of traditional chemical pesticides, furthering the development and use of biologicals, including microbial pesticides, biochemical pesticides, plant incorporated protectants, and proteins. Risk assessment for these products is not as straightforward as with traditional chemical pesticides. Standardized guideline tests to accommodate all types of biological pesticide do not exist, but there are more commonly conducted tests on non-target arthropods that are appropriate for most risk assessments.  

In this one-hour webinar, Smithers expert Dr. Michael Patnaude provides an overview of the commonly used terrestrial non-target species available for biological products following the 885.4340 guideline.  He discusses the unique challenges in testing such as delivery methods, storage, multiple preparations, and duration. 

Watch the webinar:

About our presenter:
Dr. Michael Patnaude, Senior Research Biologist, has testing expertise in acute and chronic, larval and adult honeybee testing, non-target insect, earthworm, and springtail studies. He earned his Ph.D. in Medical Entomology/GIS from University of Florida, his M.S. in Plant Sciences from University of Rhode Island, and his B.S. in Biology from Bridgewater State College. 

Notable publications include “Development and Validation of a Bumble Bee Adult Chronic Oral Test” at the 2019 International Conference on Pollinator Biology, and “The Evaluation of Modifications of Methods and Equipment Towards Improvement of the OECD Draft 22-Day Repeat Exposure Larval Honey Bee Methods” at SETAC North America in 2015. Dr. Patnaude is a member of the Entomological Society of America. 

Webinar host: 
Michael Bradley, Director of Ecotoxicology, North America, has approaching 20 years of experience in the field of environmental toxicology. He obtained his B.S. degree in Coastal and Marine Policy and Management, with a minor in Marine Biology, from the University of Rhode Island, College of Environmental Life Sciences.

Contributing author: 
Jane Gray, Senior Manager, Terrestrial Ecotoxicology, Harrogate, UK, has over 45 years of experience in terrestrial ecotoxicology, including 20 years as a Manager and Study Director within the CRO industry. Jane is an expert in standard and bespoke studies including non-target arthropods and plants, bees, and soil dwelling species. She holds a B.Sc. (Hons) Biochemistry with pharmacology.

Header image credit: Dr. Michael Patnaude