Development of Agrochemicals

Basic principles
(i) molecules of known structure are tested against
different pests like insect- pests, microbial pathogens,
nematodes, weeds etc.
--- The toxicity towards different pathogen is
determined.
---Effective molecules are selected.
(ii) Related molecules based on known toxic molecules
are synthesized and their toxicity towards the target
pests is determined.
 Manufacturing of Agrochemicals involves three major steps:
Chemical Production
Formulation
Packaging
Biological testing
The molecules are tested and assayed using standard
method. The chemicals which are less toxic or
inhibitory are eliminated. This method of elemination
and promoting of chemical through sequence of tests is
called screening
Primary screening
To identify the biological activity of new molecules
against different insect pests, plant diseases,
nematodes,weeds etc. taking few concentrations.

Host tolerance towards the molecule is tested.
Secondary screening
The assay of molecules are tested with more details. The
lowest or minimum concentrations to kill or inhibit the
pest is determined. Different application methods and
timings are given. The phytotoxicity is also determined.
Tertiary screening
Small plot field trials are conducted to confirm the in
vitro or laboratory results. Often the products are coded.


Field Screening
-Only few molecules reach at this stage.
-Out of 15,000 molecules tested under primary screening
only few molecules are tested under field conditions.

Field Screening
 -Testing is carried out in different crops, soils, and
under different agroclimatic conditions ,locations etc.

-Toxicological and other studies are conducted side by

side.

Few molecules are selected and processed for

registration.
Determination of residual toxicity
Effect on non-target organisms

Effect on host crops and related species at recommended
dose and above.
Preparation of formulations

Generation of other data required for registration

Application to Insecticide Board for registration of the
molecule.
Few molecules are selected and processed for registration.
Summary of development of new molecule

Synthesis of new molecules

Primary screening (15,000 molecules )

Secondary screening (1500 molecules )

Tertiary Screening (150 m0lecules)

Field screening (15 molecules )

Few molecules for development

1 or 2 molecules for marketing