Neonicotinoid: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Class of neuro-active insecticides}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
== | ==Neonicotinoid== | ||
[[File:R-nicotine.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of R-nicotine, a natural compound related to neonicotinoids]] | |||
Neonicotinoids are a class of neuro-active insecticides modeled after nicotine. They are chemically similar to nicotine and act on the central nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and death. Neonicotinoids are widely used in agriculture due to their effectiveness in controlling a variety of pests. | |||
Neonicotinoids | ==Chemical Properties== | ||
Neonicotinoids are synthetic compounds that mimic the action of nicotine, a natural insecticide found in tobacco plants. They are characterized by their ability to bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system of insects. This binding disrupts normal nerve function, leading to the insect's death. | |||
[[File:Desnitro-imidacloprid.svg|thumb|left|Chemical structure of Desnitro-imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid compound]] | |||
The chemical structure of neonicotinoids typically includes a nitroguanidine, nitromethylene, or cyanoamidine group, which is crucial for their insecticidal activity. These compounds are highly water-soluble, allowing them to be absorbed by plants and distributed throughout their tissues. | |||
Neonicotinoids | ==Mode of Action== | ||
Neonicotinoids target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the central nervous system of insects. By binding to these receptors, neonicotinoids cause an overstimulation of the nervous system, leading to paralysis and eventually death. This mode of action is highly selective for insects, making neonicotinoids less toxic to mammals and birds. | |||
== | ==Usage in Agriculture== | ||
Neonicotinoids are used extensively in agriculture to protect crops from a wide range of insect pests. They are applied as seed treatments, soil applications, or foliar sprays. The systemic nature of neonicotinoids allows them to be absorbed by plants and provide long-lasting protection against pests. | |||
==Environmental Impact== | |||
The widespread use of neonicotinoids has raised concerns about their impact on non-target organisms, particularly pollinators such as bees. Studies have shown that neonicotinoids can affect the foraging behavior, reproduction, and survival of bees, leading to declines in bee populations. This has prompted regulatory actions in several countries to restrict or ban the use of certain neonicotinoids. | |||
== | ==Regulation and Controversy== | ||
Due to their potential environmental impact, neonicotinoids have been the subject of regulatory scrutiny and public debate. The European Union has implemented restrictions on the use of certain neonicotinoids, and other countries are considering similar measures. The controversy surrounding neonicotinoids highlights the need for balancing pest control with environmental protection. | |||
== | |||
Due to their | |||
==Related Pages== | |||
* [[Insecticide]] | * [[Insecticide]] | ||
* [[Nicotine]] | * [[Nicotine]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Pollinator decline]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Pesticide regulation]] | ||
[[Category:Insecticides]] | [[Category:Insecticides]] | ||
[[Category:Agricultural chemicals]] | |||
[[Category:Neonicotinoids]] | [[Category:Neonicotinoids]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:45, 23 March 2025
Class of neuro-active insecticides
Neonicotinoid[edit]
Neonicotinoids are a class of neuro-active insecticides modeled after nicotine. They are chemically similar to nicotine and act on the central nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and death. Neonicotinoids are widely used in agriculture due to their effectiveness in controlling a variety of pests.
Chemical Properties[edit]
Neonicotinoids are synthetic compounds that mimic the action of nicotine, a natural insecticide found in tobacco plants. They are characterized by their ability to bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system of insects. This binding disrupts normal nerve function, leading to the insect's death.
The chemical structure of neonicotinoids typically includes a nitroguanidine, nitromethylene, or cyanoamidine group, which is crucial for their insecticidal activity. These compounds are highly water-soluble, allowing them to be absorbed by plants and distributed throughout their tissues.
Mode of Action[edit]
Neonicotinoids target the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the central nervous system of insects. By binding to these receptors, neonicotinoids cause an overstimulation of the nervous system, leading to paralysis and eventually death. This mode of action is highly selective for insects, making neonicotinoids less toxic to mammals and birds.
Usage in Agriculture[edit]
Neonicotinoids are used extensively in agriculture to protect crops from a wide range of insect pests. They are applied as seed treatments, soil applications, or foliar sprays. The systemic nature of neonicotinoids allows them to be absorbed by plants and provide long-lasting protection against pests.
Environmental Impact[edit]
The widespread use of neonicotinoids has raised concerns about their impact on non-target organisms, particularly pollinators such as bees. Studies have shown that neonicotinoids can affect the foraging behavior, reproduction, and survival of bees, leading to declines in bee populations. This has prompted regulatory actions in several countries to restrict or ban the use of certain neonicotinoids.
Regulation and Controversy[edit]
Due to their potential environmental impact, neonicotinoids have been the subject of regulatory scrutiny and public debate. The European Union has implemented restrictions on the use of certain neonicotinoids, and other countries are considering similar measures. The controversy surrounding neonicotinoids highlights the need for balancing pest control with environmental protection.
