Amphibians and plant-protection products: what research and action is needed?

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The majority of Swiss amphibians are threatened. There is a range of factors which have been discussed as possible causes for their decline, including plant protection products (PPPs). RESULTS: The influence of PPPs on amphibian populations has not yet been studied to any great extent, neither for active ingredients nor for the wetting agents, breakdown products or tank mixtures. A further topic of discussion was how to better protect amphibians by reducing their exposure to PPPs in agricultural fields. CONCLUSION: Experts at a workshop concluded that further research is needed.