Insect growth regulators and insect control: a critical appraisal.

Abstract

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) of the juvenile hormone type alter physiological processes essential to insect development and appear to act specifically on insects. Three natural juvenile hormones have been found in insects but not in other organisms. Future use of antagonists or inhibitors of hormone synthesis may be technically possible as an advantageous extension of pest control by IGRs. A documented survey of the properties, metabolism, toxicology, and uses of the most commercially advanced chemical, methoprene, shows it to be environmentally acceptable and toxicologically innocuous. Derivation of its current use patterns is discussed and limitations on these are noted. Residue levels and their measurement in the ppb region have allowed exemption from the requirement of tolerances in the EPA registered use of methoprene for mosquito control. Tolerances for foods accompany its fully approved use for control of manure breeding flies through a cattle feed supplement. The human health effects of using this chemical appear to be purely beneficial, but further advances through new IGR chemicals appear unlikely without major changes in regulatory and legislative policy.

Bio-efficacy and persistence evaluation of Dimilin<sup>®</sup>GR-2% and Mosquiron<sup>® </sup>10 EC insect growth regulators against <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> s.l (diptera: Culicidae) larvae

“…JH analogues interfere with the transformation of late instar larvae to pupae and then to adult, whereas chitin synthesis inhibitors inhibit cuticle formation and affect all instars and immature stages of the mosquito [12]. Dimilin ® GR-2% (Diflubenzuron) and Mosquiron ® 10 EC (Novaluron) are benzoyl urea based chitin biosynthesis inhibiting stomach poison compounds that have successfully passed the WHO's pesticide evaluation scheme (WHOPES's) and recommended for mosquito larvae control [13].…”

Arboterrorism: Doubtful Delusion or Deadly Danger

“…Although highly effective when appropriately applies, other insecticides may also be of no use due to their method of action. Insect growth regulators (IGR) are a class of compound which target the ability of insects to mature to adulthood, effectively destabilising an insect populations by depriving it of fecund adults [27]. This group of compounds is effective in controlling arthropod vectors in agricultural and domestic settings, but due to their slow action, they can often take weeks or months for effects to be seen and would not be suitable for the RAK method.…”

The Effectiveness of Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) on the Growth and the Development of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Tangerang City, Indonesia

“…According to Tunaz and Uygun (2004), the use of IGR leads to various abnormalities in insects thus decreasing its ability to survive. Siddal (1976) also says a similar thing that IGR caused a variety of defects that disrupt the life of insects although it is not very toxic.…”