Bacterial insecticides and inert materials

Authors: ATHANASSIOU, CHRISTOS - University Of Thessaly; Arthur, Franklin

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/4/2017
Publication Date: 9/1/2018
Citation: Athanassiou, C.G., Arthur, F.H. 2018. Bacterial insecticides and inert materials. In: Athanassiou, C., Arthur, F.H., editors. Recent Advances in Stored Product Entomology. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer Press. p. 83-98.

Interpretive Summary: There are a number of insecticides that are classified as bacterial insecticides or natural products that have been evaluated for the control of stored product insects. However, there are few products that are currently registered and available for commercial use. In this chapter, we review these non-traditional insecticides, discuss modes of action, and relevance for insect pest management. Traditional neurotoxic insecticides are covered in other chapters in this book

Technical Abstract: The term “novel insecticides” can be regarded as a category that includes the insecticides with novel mode of action, but also insecticides that are novel in terms of their low mammalian toxicity and environmental-friendly profiles. Under this context, it is difficult to identify active ingredients that are novel and separate them from the “traditional” substances, which include insecticides such as organophosphorous (OP) compounds, carbamates and pyrethroids, since many of them, such as some pyrethroids, have low mammalian toxicity. Hence, there are certain substance that are compatible with these profiles, but in terms of their discovery and use are not new, but their use fulfills certain low-risk requirements. In this chapter, we will focus on the recent development of contact insecticides, i.e. the insecticides that cause death to insects through contact or digestion, regardless of the way that these insecticides are applied e.g. in the surfaces or directly on the grain. Although there are numerous substances that fall into the category of “novel insecticides” in post-harvest applications, in the following chapter we will refer to those which are already registered for this purpose, are close to registration or they are closely related with already registered active ingredients. These can be summarized in two broad categories: bacterial-based insecticides and inert materials. Other major categories of insecticides are covered in other chapters of this book.