Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Larval Toxicity Test, Single Exposure (OECD TG 237)
The Honeybee Larval Toxicity Test, Single Exposure according to OECD TG 237 is a chronic laboratory assay designed to assess the toxicity of chemicals to honeybee larvae (Apis mellifera), focusing on the early developmental stage. This test is critical for evaluating potential impacts on colony health and pollinator populations.
In this study, newly hatched larvae are exposed to a single dose of the test substance incorporated into their diet under controlled laboratory conditions. The exposure period typically continues through the larval developmental stage until pupation or emergence as adult bees.
Key endpoints include larval survival, development rate, pupation success, and emergence as adult bees. These data are used to establish concentration–response relationships and to determine endpoints such as the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) and the Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC).
This test provides essential information for environmental risk assessment of chemicals, including plant protection products, and helps ensure the protection of honeybee larvae and overall colony viability.
