Pages: 32-41

Abstract

Information on insect hormones has delivered a number of opportunities to enlist them or molecules related to them in the fight against insect pests. This article is a contribution to the knowledge on insect growth regulator (IGR), which is a substance or chemical that inhibits the life cycle of an insect. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are typically used as insecticides to control populations of harmful insect including fleas, cockroaches, mosquitos and stored products pests. IGRs of the juvenile hormone type alter physiological processes essential to insect development and appear to act specifically on insects. IGRs affect certain hormones in insects or inhibit specific biochemical pathways or processes essential for insect growth and development. Three natural juvenile hormones have been found in insects, but not in other organisms. These are chitin synthesis inhibitors, juvenile hormone analogs and mimics, and anti-juvenile hormone agents. These do not kill insects immediately, but they can stop a pest population from reproducing until all of the pests have been died. IGRs may come from a blend of synthetic chemicals or from other natural sources, such as plants. Certain insects exposed to insecticides with growth regulating properties may die due to abnormal regulation of hormone-mediated cell or organ development. Future use of antagonists or inhibitors of hormone synthesis may be technically possible as an advantageous extension of pest control by IGRs in integrated pet management strategy.