Neonicotinoids, commonly referred to as neonics, are a class of neuro-active insecticides that have become pervasive in modern agriculture. Chemically similar to nicotine, these insecticides have become the most widely used pesticide in the world for their effectiveness in controlling a variety of pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and other sap-feeding insects. Initially, neonics were celebrated for their broad-spectrum activity, systemic properties—requiring only one application per season—and perceived low toxicity to mammals. Newer research shows neonics have spread to bodies of water where they’ve damaged some aquatic ecosystems. Their widespread use has also raised questions about potential health risks.
Neonics were first introduced in the late 1990s, quickly becoming a go-to solution for farmers facing persistent pest problems.
These insecticides are primarily applied as seed treatments, foliar sprays, and soil applications. When used as a seed treatment, neonics coat the seed and are absorbed into the growing plant, becoming an integral part of the plant’s tissue.
Neonics are introduced, quickly becoming a go-to solution for farmers fighting persistent pest problems. Their cost-effectiveness and single-use application increased their use.
By 2000, roughly 30% of field corn in the United States is treated with neonics. Use on soybeans was slow at first, but later became more popular.
At the start of the 2010s, approximately 80% of corn was treated with neonics. By 2014 nearly all corn seed in the U.S. and half of soybean seeds were being treated.
Widespread and persistent use of neonics has raised alarms among environmental scientists, entomologists, and public health specialists.
While neonics have proven very effective at dealing with pests, their impacts on non-target species like bees and other pollinators. Neonics have contributed to alarming declines in insect populations, especially in regions where neonics are heavily used.
Neonics have been detected in water bodies across the country. These chemicals are highly soluble and can easily move from their initial application sites through surface runoff and leaching, particularly in sandy soils. In Wisconsin neonics have been found in over 5% of drinking water wells in agricultural areas and 69% of sampled irrigation wells. This offsite movement has serious implications for aquatic ecosystems, where neonics can harm species like mayflies, which are a critical food source for fish populations.
Recent research has questioned how useful neonics really are. For example, a 2021 study by Cornell University found that neonic use showed no corn yield benefit 83% of the time across 15 states. This raises the question of whether the environmental and public health risks associated with neonics justified their widespread use.
Did you miss the first-ever Wisconsin Neonic Forum but still have questions about their benefits, risks and widespread use? Tune in below to hear from experts on where neonics are used, how Wisconsin is regulating them, and more.
Click the button below to see slides from the presentations learn more about the speakers at the first ever first-ever Wisconsin Neonic Forum, held on October 30th, 2024 at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
