Insecticide

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Insecticide

Insecticide (/ɪnˈsɛktɪsaɪd/; from Latin insectum meaning "cut into sections" and -cide from caedere meaning "to cut down") is a substance used to kill insects. They include ovicides and larvicides used against insect eggs and larvae, respectively. Insecticides are used in agriculture, medicine, industry and by consumers. Insecticides are claimed to be a major factor behind the increase in the 20th-century's agricultural productivity.

Types of Insecticides

Insecticides can be classified into two major groups: systemic insecticides, which have long-term activity, and contact insecticides, which have no residual activity.

  • Systemic insecticides become incorporated and distributed systemically throughout the whole plant. When insects feed on the plant, they ingest the insecticide.
  • Contact insecticides are toxic to insects upon direct contact. These can be inorganic insecticides, which are metals and include the commonly used sulfur, and the less commonly used arsenates and fluorides.

Mode of Action

Insecticides may have a lethal effect to insects by disrupting their nervous system. The most common of these are neurotoxins. They include organophosphate, carbamate, pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, and insect growth regulator insecticides.

Environmental Impact

Insecticides can have both direct and indirect effects on non-target species. They can kill beneficial insects and other animals, and can contaminate food sources that are consumed by other wildlife. Insecticides can also affect the balance of ecosystems, leading to problems such as the proliferation of unwanted species.

Resistance

Insects may evolve resistance to repeatedly used insecticides, necessitating the replacement of one insecticide with another. This can lead to a cycle of insecticide development, followed by pest resistance, followed by new insecticide development.

See Also

External links

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