Biochemical and physiological targets for miticides

Abstract

The biorational design of new miticides requires an understanding of the biochemistry and physiology of mites. This review considers the interaction and impact of existing miticides with the cuticle, nervous system, growth and development, metabolism, feeding and behaviour and assesses the potential of these as possible targets for miticide development. Considering the sites of action of some of the major miticides, GABAergic and octopaminergic transmission, and oxidative phosphorylation are attractive targets for further miticide development.

Biology and control of Varroa destructor

“…Resistant mite populations may increase and spread with predictable consequences (Elzen et al, 2000;Della Vedova, 1996, 2002;Sammataro et al, 2005). The development of acaricides on the basis of new active ingredients is not very likely (Dekeyser and Downer, 1994) and still not in sight. ''Rotation" in the use of different acaricides within a ''resistance management plan " (0., 2000, 2001) may only be a short-term-solution, due to the mainly non-professional structure of the beekeeperś community.…”

The economic importance of acaricides in the control of phytophagous mites and an update on recent acaricide mode of action research

“…The mode of action of acaricides and resistance mechanisms due to target-site insensitivity, were previously reviewed [5,44,58,59]. The purpose of this mini-review is to focus on the latest developments in mode of action research.…”

The Discovery of Bifenazate, a Novel Carbazate Acaricide

“…Such acaricides are favored by regulatory agencies and are also highly recommended by pest control advisors, modern growers and consumers. Acaricide discovery, which relies heavily on serendipity in the traditional screening approaches mainly conducted by agrochemical companies, has brought to the market a diverse range of chemical classes, often directed against novel biochemical and physiological targets [2]. The best of these have minimal effects on humans and the environment and are compatible with IPM for the crop systems in which they are used.…”