Influence of coated seeds on soil organisms tested with bait lamina

The ability of the bait lamina method to assess the effect of seed coatings of different pesticides is demonstrated by results of a field experiment with rape. Imidacloprid + beta-Cyfluthrin had the strongest effect in autumn 1999, and Isofenphos in 1998. Only Thiram did not reduce the feeding activity and was often higher than on the control lamina. The increasing concentrations of the compounds and their repellent effect on Collembola, Enchytraeidae and other soil animals surrounding the seed are clearly documented by the form of the feeding activity profile. The method is recommended for similar investigations.