The Buzz on Insecticides: A Review of Uses, Molecular Structures, Targets, Adverse Effects, and Alternatives

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Abstract

Insecticides play a critical role in controlling the spread of insect-borne diseases and preserving crop health. These chemical substances are specifically formulated to kill or manage insect populations. Over the years, various types of insecticides have been developed, including organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids, each with unique modes of action, physiological targets, and efficacy. Despite the advantages that insecticides offer, it is imperative to recognize the potential consequences on non-target species, the environment, and human health. It is therefore crucial to follow recommended label instructions and employ integrated pest management practices for the judicious use of insecticides. This review article provides an in-depth examination of the various types of insecticides, including their modes of action, physiological targets, environmental and human health impacts, and alternatives. The aim is to furnish a comprehensive overview of insecticides and to emphasize the significance of responsible and sustainable utilization.

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Organochlorine pesticides, their toxic effects on living organisms and their fate in the environment

Ravindran Jayaraj, Pankajshan Megha, Puthur Sreedev (2016)

Organochlorine (OC) pesticides are synthetic pesticides widely used all over the world. They belong to the group of chlorinated hydrocarbon derivatives, which have vast application in the chemical industry and in agriculture. These compounds are known for their high toxicity, slow degradation and bioaccumulation. Even though many of the compounds which belong to OC were banned in developed countries, the use of these agents has been rising. This concerns particularly abuse of these chemicals which is in practice across the continents. Though pesticides have been developed with the concept of target organism toxicity, often non-target species are affected badly by their application. The purpose of this review is to list the major classes of pesticides, to understand organochlorine pesticides based on their activity and persistence, and also to understand their biochemical toxicity.

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DDT, pyrethrins, pyrethroids and insect sodium channels.

T G E Davies, L M Field, P N R Usherwood … (2007)

The long term use of many insecticides is continually threatened by the ability of insects to evolve resistance mechanisms that render the chemicals ineffective. Such resistance poses a serious threat to insect pest control both in the UK and worldwide. Resistance may result from either an increase in the ability of the insect to detoxify the insecticide or by changes in the target protein with which the insecticide interacts. DDT, the pyrethrins and the synthetic pyrethroids (the latter currently accounting for around 17% of the world insecticide market), act on the voltage-gated sodium channel proteins found in insect nerve cell membranes. The correct functioning of these channels is essential for normal transmission of nerve impulses and this process is disrupted by binding of the insecticides, leading to paralysis and eventual death. Some insect pest populations have evolved modifications of the sodium channel protein which prevent the binding of the insecticide and result in the insect developing resistance. Here we review some of the work (done at Rothamsted Research and elsewhere) that has led to the identification of specific residues on the sodium channel that may constitute the DDT and pyrethroid binding sites.

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Insect cuticle: a critical determinant of insecticide resistance

Linda Grigoraki, Vasileia Balabanidou, John Vontas (2018)

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Author and article information

Contributors

Elisabete M. S. Castanheira: (View ORCID Profile)

Sérgio F. Sousa: (View ORCID Profile)

Journal

Journal ID (publisher-id): MOLEFW

Title: Molecules

Abbreviated Title: Molecules

Publisher: MDPI AG

ISSN (Electronic): 1420-3049

Publication date Created: April 2023

Publication date (Electronic): April 21 2023

Volume: 28

Issue: 8

Page: 3641

Article

DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083641

PubMed ID: 37110875

SO-VID: 940949c6-2529-46d3-a2b5-fb2c9229fe8f

License:

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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