Teratogenicity testing of BI 58 EC (38% dimethoate) in chicken embryos with special respect to degradation of the active ingredient

The insecticide formulation BI 58 EC was tested for teratogenicity in chick en embryos, with particular reference to degradation of the active ingredie nt (dimethoate) after the treatment of embryonated eggs. The pesticide was diluted in water to a concentration level of 0.8%, and the emulsion was inj ected into the air space in a volume of 0.1 ml/egg, or hen's eggs were trea ted by the immersion technique. Residues of dimethoate were measured in the samples on days 13, 15 and 19 of the incubation of chicken embryos, and mo rphological examinations were performed simultaneously. Analytical chemistr y data indicated a slower degradation of dimethoate in embryos after the im mersion of eggs, and cyllosis was remarkable in this group among the sporad ic developmental anomalies. The liver tissues of both treated groups exhibi ted severe fatty infiltration.