Applied aspects of neonicotinoid uses in crop protection

Abstract

Neonicotinoid insecticides comprise seven commercially marketed active ingredients: imidacloprid, acetamiprid, nitenpyram, thiamethoxam, thiacloprid, clothianidin and dinotefuran. The technical profiles and main differences between neonicotinoid insecticides, including their spectrum of efficacy, are described: use for vector control, systemic properties and versatile application forms, especially seed treatment. New formulations have been developed to optimize the bioavailability of neonicotinoids through improved rain fastness, better retention and spreading of the spray deposit on the leaf surface, combined with higher leaf penetration. Combined formulations with pyrethroids and other insecticides are also being developed with the aim of broadening the insecticidal spectrum of neonicotinoids and to replace WHO Class I products from older chemical classes. These innovative developments for life-cycle management, jointly with the introduction of generic products, will, within the next few years, turn neonicotinoids into the most important chemical class in crop protection.

The Sublethal Effects of Insecticides in Insects

“…Studies with neonicotinoids, which act as agonist of acetylcholine receptor and disturb the neuronal cholinergic signal transduction, demonstrate that thiacloprid, imidacloprid and clothianidin can also interfere with the immune system of honeybees, affecting the total number of hemocytes, the encapsulation response and microbial activity in the hemolymph [32]. Besides effects on the immune system, neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid have been found to reduce sperm viability by 50% in bees [33].…”

The cross-resistance patterns and biochemical characteristics of an imidacloprid-resistant strain of the cotton aphid

“…At the same time, due to its unique mechanism of action, acting as an agonist targeting the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in the insect central nervous system, neonicotinoids have played important roles in overcoming the challenges of insect resistance to earlier classes of insecticides. 7,8) Nevertheless, resistance to neonicotinoids has been reported in some pests. [9][10][11] In addition, cross-resistance between neonicotinoids and other groups of insecticides has been investigated in several pests.…”

Assessing Role of Major Drivers in Recent Decline of Monarch Butterfly Population in North America

“…Neonicotinoid insecticides have been widely incorporated into commercial agriculture recently compared to the decline of eastern monarchs, therefore they may not be a primary driver of monarch declines, which have occurred since the 1990's (Brower et al, 2012). Moreover, by the time neonicotinoids were widely used (Elbert et al, 2008), milkweed plants were largely absent from agricultural fields (Pleasants and Oberhauser, 2013), thereby decreasing the potential for in-field neonicotinoid exposure of monarch larvae. However, scientists are currently investigating whether neonicotinoid drift from agricultural fields to adjacent milkweed plants is a problem.…”