Growth inhibitors (insects)

Growth inhibitors interfere with the growth of insects by affecting their moulting . This typically prevents your first or larger exoskeleton from properly forming. Growth inhibitors can mimic or inhibit the juvenile hormone or inhibit the formation of chitin. In addition to the growth inhibitors described here, neurotoxins and behavior-changing chemicals can also influence the growth of insects.

Mimic juvenile hormone

Abnormal levels of juvenile hormone can have a major impact on an insect. So instead of a pupa, a larva or an intermediate variant can arise from a larva. Juvenile hormone can also affect diapause , the process that triggers hibernation. In principle, all processes that are controlled by the juvenile hormone can be influenced.

The first artificial hormones were structural analogues . They have the disadvantage that they are unstable in UV light.

It was later discovered that many plants produce functionally analogous juvenoids to ward off predators. These fabrics are much more stable and are used in products today.

Inhibit juvenile hormone

Chemicals can inhibit the production of juvenile hormone in the insect. As a result, a larva can become an adult at an early stage.

Inhibit chitin generation

As Chitininhibitor refers to a group of inhibitors ( inhibitors ) the synthesis of chitin . Since chitin is an essential component of the cell wall of fungi and microsporidia as well as the exoskeleton of insects , such substances are used in numerous areas. There are three classes of chitin inhibitors:

Peptidyl nucleoside as polyoxins and nikkomicins
Acylurea compounds and
hormonally active compounds.

In medicine and veterinary medicine, chitin inhibitors are used in particular for fungal diseases and to combat ectoparasites and their larvae. Active ingredients are, for example, Lufenuron , Methoprene , Nikkomycin and Plumbagin .

In pest control , chitin inhibitors are used against insects. Examples are Lufenuron , Methoprene , Hexaflumuron and Diflubenzuron . By blocking chitin synthesis, they prevent insects from molting .

Chitin inhibitors such as Novaluron , Buprofezin and Teflubenzuron are also used as crop protection agents against fungal diseases and insect infestation .

literature

Mahendra Rai, George Kövics (Ed.): Progress in Mycology. Springer Science & Business Media, Dordrecht 2011, ISBN 978-90-481-3713-8 , p. 417.

Individual evidence

↑ Insect Growth Regulators , James L. Krysan and John Dunley (originally published 1993), Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, Orchard Pest Management Online, Washington State University, accessed 2017-10-11.

[igr1993-1] Insect Growth Regulators , James L. Krysan and John Dunley (originally published 1993), Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, Orchard Pest Management Online, Washington State University, accessed 2017-10-11.