Spinosad: Difference between revisions

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'''Spinosad''' is a natural substance made by the soil bacterium ''[[Saccharopolyspora spinosa]]''. It is a mixture of two chemicals called spinosyn A and spinosyn D. It is used as a [[pesticide]] in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as home gardens and pet products.
{{Short description|An insecticide derived from natural sources}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


== History ==
==Overview==
Spinosad was discovered in 1982 from the soil bacterium ''Saccharopolyspora spinosa'' by scientists at [[Eli Lilly and Company]]. The bacterium was found in soil samples taken from an abandoned rum distillery on a Caribbean island. The name "spinosad" is derived from the bacterium's name and the fact that it was a novel discovery (a "new spin").
[[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]].


== Mode of Action ==
==Chemical Composition==
Spinosad affects the nervous system of insects by causing rapid excitation of the insect's nervous system, leading to paralysis and death. It is highly effective against a wide range of insects, including [[mosquitoes]], [[fleas]], [[flies]], and [[caterpillars]]. It is less toxic to non-target organisms, including many beneficial insects, birds, and mammals.
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.


== Uses ==
==Mode of Action==
Spinosad is used in a variety of settings. In agriculture, it is used to control a wide range of pests, including [[thrips]], [[leafminers]], [[spider mites]], [[mosquitoes]], [[ants]], [[fruit flies]] and others. It is also used in home gardens and in pet products to control fleas.
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]].


== Environmental Impact ==
==Applications==
Spinosad is considered to be environmentally friendly because it is derived from a naturally occurring bacterium and is highly specific to its target pests. It breaks down quickly in the environment, reducing the risk of residual toxicity.
Spinosad is used in various settings:


== Safety ==
* '''Agriculture''': It is applied to crops to control pests such as [[caterpillars]], [[fruit flies]], and [[leafminers]].
Spinosad has a low toxicity to humans and other mammals. However, it can be harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. It is also toxic to bees and some aquatic organisms.
* '''Horticulture''': Used in gardens and greenhouses to protect ornamental plants.
* '''Veterinary medicine''': Formulated into products for controlling [[fleas]] on pets.


== Resistance ==
==Environmental Impact==
Like all pesticides, there is a risk that insects may develop resistance to spinosad. This can be managed through [[Integrated Pest Management]] strategies, such as rotating spinosad with other types of pesticides.
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.


== See Also ==
==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 Pest Management]]
* [[Integrated pest management]]
* [[Saccharopolyspora spinosa]]


[[Category:Pesticides]]
[[Category:Insecticides]]
[[Category:Biopesticides]]
[[Category:Biopesticides]]
[[Category:Insecticides]]
{{Pesticide-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:59, 13 February 2025

An insecticide derived from natural sources



Overview[edit]

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[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.

Related pages[edit]