Brain cholinesterase activities of birds from forests sprayed with trichlorfon (Dylox) and carbaryl (Sevin-4-oil)

Abstract

Brain cholinesterase activities were determined in birds from forests sprayed with Dylox 2 at 1.13 kg/hectare (1 1b/acre — active ingredient [a.i.]) or Sevin-4-oil 2 at 1.13 kg/hectare (1 1b/acre — a.i.) for up to 5 days postspray. Of ten bird species evaluated from the Dylox spray area, four species represented by six individuals had values which were depressed more than 2 standard deviations below the mean. Three of these activities (two species) were about 20% less than the mean. Of 12 species evaluated from the Sevin-4-oil spraying, three individuals representing three species had depressed values. One value was depressed greater than 20% below the mean. Half of the depressed activities were in canopy-dwelling birds collected on the day of spray.