Selection of selective biocides on soil microarthropods

In order to seek for selective biocides on soil microarthropods, we conducted a short-term pot experiment with treatments of five biocides: pyridaben, profenofos, abamectin, triflumuron and naphthalene, and tested their effectiveness and selectivity on soil microarthropods. Under the conditions of our experiment, only pyridaben and naphthalene were selective biocides on soil microarthropods when applied at appropriate rates. Although profenofos significantly decreased soil microarthropod density, it also significantly decreased soil nematode density. Abamectin did not inhibit soil microarthropods but decreased soil nematode density. Profenofos and the highest level of naphthalene application stimulated soil microbial biomass one week after application. Triflumuron showed no negative effect on soil microarthropods, soil nematodes and soil microbial biomass. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.