Pyriproxyfen: A Juvenile Hormone Analogue Insecticide for Sustainable Pest Management

Technical Introduction

Pyriproxyfen (IUPAC: S-[(2E,4E)-5-(2-pyridyloxy)pentadienyl]-N-phenylphosphoroamidothioate) is an insect growth regulator (IGR) that mimics insect juvenile hormone (JH). It disrupts the normal development of insects by preventing larval molting and adult emergence, making it highly effective for long-term pest control.

• Mode of Action: Juvenile hormone analogue – interferes with metamorphosis and reproduction, leading to death or sterility in immature insects.

• Target Life Stages: Effective mainly against eggs, larvae, and pupae, with ovicidal, larvicidal, and sterilizing effects on adults.

• Selectivity: Safe for beneficial insects, natural predators, and pollinators, making it ideal for IPM programs.

Applications

• Agricultural Crops:

  • Controls whiteflies, leafminers, thrips, aphids, and mealybugs on vegetables, fruit trees, cotton, and rice.

• Horticultural Crops:

  • Applied to tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and ornamental plants for leafhopper and whitefly management.

• Public Health & Veterinary:

  • Used in mosquito control programs to suppress larvae of Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex species.

  • Controls fleas and ticks in companion animals and livestock.

• Greenhouse & Protected Cultivation:

  • Effective in IPM programs for controlling pest populations without harming predators or pollinators.

Advantages

• Highly Selective: Minimal impact on beneficial insects, bees, and natural enemies.

• Long-Lasting Residual Effect: Continues to control immature pests for several weeks after application.

• Resistance Management: Different mode of action (juvenile hormone analogue) complements rotation with neurotoxic insecticides.

• Low Mammalian Toxicity: Safe for humans and domestic animals when used according to instructions.

• Versatile Application: Can be applied as foliar spray, soil drench, or in water systems for larval control.

Specifications (Typical Parameters)

FAQ

Q1: How does Pyriproxyfen differ from neurotoxic insecticides?
A: Pyriproxyfen targets insect development and reproduction, not the nervous system, making it selective and safer for beneficial insects.

Q2: Can Pyriproxyfen be used against adult pests?
A: Its main effect is on immature stages, but it can sterilize adults, reducing population growth.

Q3: Is Pyriproxyfen suitable for IPM programs?
A: Yes, its selectivity and compatibility with natural enemies make it ideal for integrated pest management.

Q4: Can it be used in mosquito control?
A: Yes, Pyriproxyfen is widely used to control mosquito larvae in water bodies without harming fish or other aquatic animals.

Q5: How should Pyriproxyfen be applied for greenhouse crops?
A: Apply as a foliar spray ensuring full coverage of leaves, including the underside, and repeat based on pest pressure and residual activity.