Insecticide Resistance and Ecotoxicology
Insecticide Composition Insecticide = Active Ingredient + Additives
Formulations Solutions Emulsion concentrates Water dispersible powders Suspension concentrates Baits Dusts Granules and pellets Fumigants Controlled release formulations Spray adjuvants
Solutions DDT used to be applied in this way. Now solution are used only for ultra low-volume applications.
Emulsion concentrates If insoluble in water… then use an emulsifying agent. A what ?!
Emulsion concentrates Emulsifying agent: Substance used to facilitate the dispersion of an immiscible material in a solvent. Dissolve insecticide on: organic solvent + emulsifier Dissolve mix on water
Water dispersible powders Insoluble Dispersed in water. Insecticide can be a solid or a liquid.
Suspension concentrates Solid held in suspension
Baits Insect attractant + insecticide Attractant: - Food source - Pheromone
Dust Inert carrier + insecticide - Seed dressing - Foliage
Granules and Pellets Inert carrier + insecticide mm Safe Easy to handle Precise targeting Slow release > 2.5 mm
Fumigants Used in soil or enclosed spaces Stored products pests Gas proof spaces Costly Supervised Gases Diffuse well Absorbed through cuticule or resp. syst. All are toxic to humans.
Controlled release formulations Less active ingredient Slow release
Spray adjuvants Dispersants Emulsifiers Surfactans Spreaders Penetrants Stickers Humectants
It is not that simple…
LD 50 Lethal dose Dose at which 50% of the test insects are killed Insecticide Concentration
Insecticide efficiency depends on… Insect behavior Insect size Insect instar Insect habitat
Insecticide efficiency depends on also…
The user also has a saying Ease of use Safety Price
Insecticide inconveniences Moving large volumes Time invested in spraying Safety concerns Cost
Insecticide Resistance
Directional selection
How does it work?
Recognized since 1911 It became a concern in 1940s After the 1950s several cases observed
1% 99% Ecotoxicology
Non-target
What have insecticide companies done to help? Increase power of active ingredients Improve selectivity Decreased residual life of insecticide Safety checks have improved Improved application methods
The IPM proposal