Spinosad: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|An insecticide derived from natural sources}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
== | ==Overview== | ||
Spinosad | [[File:Spinosyn_A_v2.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Spinosyn A]] | ||
'''Spinosad''' is a natural insecticide derived from the fermentation of a soil bacterium, ''[[Saccharopolyspora spinosa]]''. It is used to control a variety of insect pests in agriculture, horticulture, and veterinary medicine. Spinosad is particularly effective against [[Lepidoptera]], [[Diptera]], [[Thysanoptera]], [[Coleoptera]], and some [[Hymenoptera]]. | |||
== | ==Chemical Composition== | ||
Spinosad | Spinosad is composed of two major components, [[Spinosyn A]] and [[Spinosyn D]], which are macrolide compounds. The chemical structure of Spinosyn A is shown in the image to the right. These compounds act on the [[nervous system]] of insects, causing paralysis and death. | ||
== | ==Mode of Action== | ||
Spinosad | Spinosad works by activating [[nicotinic acetylcholine receptors]] in the insect nervous system, leading to continuous nervous impulses, muscle contractions, and eventual paralysis. This mode of action is unique and provides an alternative to traditional insecticides, reducing the risk of [[insecticide resistance]]. | ||
== | ==Applications== | ||
Spinosad is | Spinosad is used in various settings: | ||
* '''Agriculture''': It is applied to crops to control pests such as [[caterpillars]], [[fruit flies]], and [[leafminers]]. | |||
* '''Horticulture''': Used in gardens and greenhouses to protect ornamental plants. | |||
* '''Veterinary medicine''': Formulated into products for controlling [[fleas]] on pets. | |||
== | ==Environmental Impact== | ||
Spinosad is considered environmentally friendly due to its low toxicity to mammals, birds, and most beneficial insects. It degrades rapidly in the environment, reducing the risk of long-term contamination. | |||
== | ==Safety and Regulations== | ||
Spinosad is approved for use in organic farming by several regulatory bodies, including the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] (USDA). It is important to follow label instructions to minimize any potential risks to non-target organisms. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Insecticide]] | |||
* [[Biopesticide]] | * [[Biopesticide]] | ||
* [[Integrated | * [[Integrated pest management]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Insecticides]] | ||
[[Category:Biopesticides]] | [[Category:Biopesticides]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:59, 13 February 2025
An insecticide derived from natural sources
Overview[edit]

Spinosad is a natural insecticide derived from the fermentation of a soil bacterium, Saccharopolyspora spinosa. It is used to control a variety of insect pests in agriculture, horticulture, and veterinary medicine. Spinosad is particularly effective against Lepidoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera, Coleoptera, and some Hymenoptera.
Chemical Composition[edit]
Spinosad is composed of two major components, Spinosyn A and Spinosyn D, which are macrolide compounds. The chemical structure of Spinosyn A is shown in the image to the right. These compounds act on the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death.
Mode of Action[edit]
Spinosad works by activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the insect nervous system, leading to continuous nervous impulses, muscle contractions, and eventual paralysis. This mode of action is unique and provides an alternative to traditional insecticides, reducing the risk of insecticide resistance.
Applications[edit]
Spinosad is used in various settings:
- Agriculture: It is applied to crops to control pests such as caterpillars, fruit flies, and leafminers.
- Horticulture: Used in gardens and greenhouses to protect ornamental plants.
- Veterinary medicine: Formulated into products for controlling fleas on pets.
Environmental Impact[edit]
Spinosad is considered environmentally friendly due to its low toxicity to mammals, birds, and most beneficial insects. It degrades rapidly in the environment, reducing the risk of long-term contamination.
Safety and Regulations[edit]
Spinosad is approved for use in organic farming by several regulatory bodies, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is important to follow label instructions to minimize any potential risks to non-target organisms.