Abstract: In this paper, a new method to assess the environmental safety of pesticide has been proposed in terms of sperm deformity of the earthworm ( Eisenia f oetida) . The result s showed that the main sperm morphological deformity appeared to be shape changes of the sperm heads. Significant induction of sperm deformity ( P< 0. 01) and dose2effect relationship displayed when the earthworms were exposed to imidacloprid at the concent rations of more than 0. 5mg/ kg dry soil. However , The sperm deformity f requency of RH - 5849 - exposed groups did not show significant difference ( P < 0. 05) f rom the negative cont rol until the dose reached 100 mg/kg dry soil. This study suggest s that the detection of sperm abnormality in earthworms could provide an early warning system of polluted environment .

Key words: Imidacloprid, RH - 5849, Eisenia foetida, Sperm deformity test