Activities of cellulase and amylase in soils as influenced by insecticide interactions

Interaction effects of the insecticides monocrotophos and quinalphos (organophosphates), and cypermethrin (pyrethroid), on microbial activities in two agricultural soils—black vertisol soil and red alfinsol soil were tested for 30 days under laboratory conditions. Individual application of the three insecticides at 5, 10 and 25 μg g−1 to the soil distinctly enhanced the activities of cellulase and amylase. Insecticide combinations involving monocrotophos or quinalphos with cypermethrin yielded synergistic, antagonistic and additive interaction effects on both enzymes in the soils. At lower levels, 5 and 10 μg g−1, the insecticides in combination interacted additively or synergistically toward both enzymes. But, both combinations at the highest level of 25 μg g−1 exhibited an antagonistic interaction, with a reduction in enzyme activities to a level lower than that of the control. Interaction effects of insecticides in combinations on two enzyme activities in both soils were related to populations of cellulolytic and amylolytic organisms in soils under the impact of combination of insecticides. These interaction responses were persistent even for 30 days.