Toxicity of pyroligneous extract to Folsomia candida Willem, 1902 (Collembola: Isotomidae) in Tropical Artificial Soil

Abstract

The agricultural use of pyroligneous extracts has expanded in recent years; however, information regarding their effects on non-target soil organisms remains limited, particularly under tropical conditions. This study evaluated the acute and chronic toxicity of a commercial pyroligneous extract to the springtail Folsomia candida in Tropical Artificial Soil. Standardized bioassays were conducted using eight concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 1, 2, 4, and 6%). Survival and reproduction were assessed after 28 days of exposure, and ecotoxicological thresholds were estimated using dose–response analyses. Significant effects on survival were observed at 0.2% and 4.0%; however, mortality did not reach 50% at any tested concentration, preventing the estimation of the LC50. The survival pattern suggested a non-monotonic response. Reproduction was the most sensitive endpoint, showing significant reductions from the lowest tested concentration (0.1%), with an EC50 of 3.39% estimated using a nonlinear logistic model. pyroligneous extract may cause relevant sublethal effects on soil fauna and highlight the importance of reproductive endpoints for environmental risk assessment and the establishment of environmentally safe application thresholds in tropical soils.