Field Studies

Field Studies are integral to the environmental risk assessment of pesticides

In the context of the registration of plant protection products (PPP’s), field studies are an integral part in the environmental risk assessment of pesticides. They are extensively used in terrestrial testing.

It is widely accepted that risk assessments based on higher tier studies provide an increased level of reliability as they cover, for example, different routes of exposure and species interactions.

Field studies are a useful tool to understand the impact of time, environment and behaviour on the flora and fauna that are influenced by PPP’s.

This is especially true for study designs that are standardised, resulting in ease of comparison between individual studies, therefore increasing knowledge with additional studies.

We offer specific field studies for a wide range of organisms. Our expert team has been actively involved in the development of tests such as OECD 75, semi-field studies with pollinators or NTO studies.

According to the recent OEPP/EPPO Guideline, an area of at least 1 ha is used for field studies. At each location, 4 to 6 commercial bee hives or nesting units are set-up for further assessments on bee mortality, flight intensity in the crop, behaviour of the bees in front of the hives and in the crop area. Furthermore the condition of the colonies as well as the brood development.

• Standard studies according to OEPP/EPPO Guideline No. 170
• Brood feeding test in accordance with the OEPP/EPPO Bulletin No. 22 (1992 a+b) and with partly integration of the OECD guidance document number 75
• Bumble bee field studies
• Solitary bee field studies

For further information, please contact us