Response of Canada Geese to a Turf Application of Diazinon Ag500

Abstract

We investigated the effects of a turf application of the insecticide diazinon AG500 on Canada geese (Branta canadensis) on a golf course in coastal Washington (USA). On both 19 and 26 March 1987, 1 ha of turf on a golf course located in Birch Bay, Washington was treated with diazinon AG500 at a target application rate of 2.2 kg active ingredient per hectare (AI/ha). Treated areas were then irrigated with 6 mm water. Grass and water samples were collected from three different sites one day before and 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after each application. Diazinon residues > or = 20 ppm were found in golf course grasses for one week after each application. Diazinon residues in study area ponds and creeks were > or = 17 ppb. Samples from two irrigation puddles one day post-application had 1.00 and 0.20 ppm of diazinon, respectively. Numbers of geese present declined following diazinon application; however, no goose mortality was observed. Geese spent 422 and 538 min feeding on the treated areas after the first and second diazinon applications, respectively. One goose feeding in treated areas demonstrated signs of poisoning (lethargy, ataxia) for several hours. Two other geese feeding in the treated areas may have been slightly intoxicated. During carcass searches, three American wigeon (Anas americana) carcasses were found. Based on brain cholinesterase (ChE) levels and gastrointestinal (GI) tract residues of diazinon present, we concluded that these wigeon died from diazinon poisoning. Numerous songbirds (Passeriformes) also fed on the treated turf but no apparent response to the insecticide was observed.

Diazinon Dissipation From Vegetation, Occurrence in Earthworms, and Presence in Avian Gastrointestinal Tracts Collected From Apple Orchards Following D-Z-N® 50w Application

“…The toxicity of diazinon to grass-eating waterfowl species has been documented previously [6,9]. However, Canada geese were less sensitive to diazinon than were widgeons (Anas americana) [7]. Moreover, Canada geese are not usually associated with apple orchards.…”

“…When used to protect orchard crops, diazinon is formulated as the wettable powder D-z-n 50W (CIBA-Geigy Corporation, Ardsley, NY, USA; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registry number 100-460). Adverse effects on avian species have been noted following diazinon application [5][6][7][8][9], and direct ingestion of diazinon has also affected passerines [10]. These adverse effects to birds prompted label restrictions for granular applications of diazinon.…”

Diazinon dissipation from vegetation, occurrence in earthworms, and presence in avian gastrointestinal tracts collected from apple orchards following D‐Z‐N® 50W application

“…The toxicity of diazinon to grass‐eating waterfowl species has been documented previously [6,9]. However, Canada geese were less sensitive to diazinon than were widgeons ( Anas ameri‐cana ) [7]. Moreover, Canada geese are not usually associated with apple orchards.…”

“…When used to protect orchard crops, diazinon is formulated as the wettable powder D‐z‐n® 50W (CIBA‐Geigy Corporation, Ardsley, NY, USA; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registry number 100–460). Adverse effects on avian species have been noted following diazinon application [5–9], and direct ingestion of diazinon has also affected passerines [10]. These adverse effects to birds prompted label restrictions for granular applications of diazinon.…”

Pesticides in Golf Course Waters Associated with Golf Course Runoff

“…These pesticides include insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. They may contaminate the environment through runoff and leaching, and may bring about adverse effects to nontarget organisms (Kendal et al 1992;1993). The adverse effects of golf courses on the environment have caused so much concern in recent years, that a World No-Golf Day has been declared by conservation groups (Allison et al 1994).…”