Insecticides with novel modes of action: Mechanism, selectivity and cross‐resistance

Abstract Efforts have been made during the past two decades to develop insecticides with selective properties that act specifically on biochemical sites present in particular insect groups, but whose properties differ from other insecticides. This approach has led to the discovery of compounds that affect the hormonal regulation of molting and developmental processes in insects; for example, ecdysone agonists, juvenile hormone mimics and chitin synthesis inhibitors. In addition, compounds that selectively interact with the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, such as imidacloprid, acetamiprid and thiamethoxam, have been introduced for the control of aphids, whiteflies and other insect species. Natural products acting selectively on insect pests, such as avermectins, spinosad and azadirachtin, have been introduced for controlling selected groups of insect pests. Compounds acting on the nervous site that controls the sucking pump of aphids and whiteflies, such as pymetrozine, or respiration, such as diafenthiuron, have been introduced for controlling sucking pests. All the above compounds are important components in pest and resistance management programs.