Neonicotinoid insecticides can serve as inadvertent insect contraceptives

Neonicotinoid insecticides can serve as inadvertent insect contraceptives

There is clear evidence for sublethal effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on non-target ecosystem service-providing insects. However, their possible impact on male insect reproduction is currently unknown, despite the key role of sex. Here, we show that two neonicotinoids (4.5 ppb thiamethoxam and 1.5 ppb clothianidin) significantly reduce the reproductive capacity of male honeybees (drones),...

The global status of insect resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides.

The first neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, was launched in 1991. Today this class of insecticides comprises at least seven major compounds with a market share of more than 25% of total global insecticide sales. Neonicotinoid insecticides are highly selective agonists of insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and provide farmers with invaluable, highly effective tools against some of t...

The Neonicotinoid Insecticides—insect Management with Seed Treatments in Corn

Corn producers battle a variety of soil dwelling insect pests. Seedcorn maggots, wireworms, white grubs and several species of cutworms can attack either the seed or seedling plants and reduce the plant stand. Corn rootworm larvae feed on corn roots during midsummer and can significantly reduce the uptake of moisture and nutrients. Extensive feeding by corn rootworm larvae can reduce the roots ...

Neonicotinoid insecticides and bees

Insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs): Important amino acid residues contributing to neonicotinoid insecticides selectivity and resistance

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels which mediate fast cholinergic synaptic transmission in insect and vertebrate nervous systems. The great abundance of nAChRs within the insect central nervous system has led to the development of insecticides targeting these receptors, such as neonicotinoid insecticides. Neonicotinoid insecticides act selectively on insect...