Insect growth regulator

Juvenile hormone analogs are also known as juvenile hormone mimics, juvenoids, or JH signaling activators. They are used against both sap-feeding and leaf eating insects as well as for vector control. Many plants produce juvenile hormone mimics (phytojuvenoids) to kill insects. == Chitin synthesis inhibitors ==

Chitin synthesis inhibitors work by preventing the formation of chitin, an important part of the insect's exoskeleton. The main class of chitin synthesis inhibitors are the benzoyl ureas (BPUs). The first BPU, diflubenzuron, was commercialised by Phillips-Duphar in 1975. Since then, many BPUs were commercialised by many companies. BPUs accounted for 3% of the $18.4 billion world insecticide market in 2018. BPUs have low mammalian toxicity (diflubenzuron is approved by the WHO for treatment of drinking water as a mosquito larvicide) Other chemical classes of insecticide, were shown to also act through inhibition of chitin synthase: buprofezin, hexythiazole, They are in IRAC mode of action groups 10, 15 and 16. == Ecdysone agonists ==

The only commercial class of ecdysone agonists are the diacylhydrazines or bisacyl hydrazines (BAHs). The first BAH to be commercialised was tebufenozide, discovered in the 1980s at Rohm & Haas, who later commercialised methoxyfenozide, and halofenozide. Later other companies commercialised chromafenozide and fufenozide. BAHs were estimated to account for around 1% of the 18.4 billion dollar 2018 global pesticide market. They produce premature unsuccessful moulting, and act by agonising the ecdysone receptor. BAHs show low mammalian and environmental toxicity. Methoxyfenozide was given a presidential green chemistry award in 1998. Both tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide were registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under its Reduced Risk Pesticide Program. Many plants produce chemicals (phytoecdysteroids) which use this mode of action to kill insects. == Others ==

Azadirachtin (AzaGuard), a natural product from the neem tree, shows antifeedant, repellent and insecticidal activity. Many different symptoms and modes of action are observed, including disruption of growth and moulting. == Resistance ==

It was originally expected that insects would not be able to develop resistance to IGRs, but this turned out not to be the case. ==Advantages and disadvantages==

In general IGRs show low toxicity to mammals and non-target organisms, although there are differences between the substance classes and the individual compounds. IGRs are slower to kill insects, show limited control of adult insects, and are in general more expensive than many other insecticides. ==References==