Classification of

Insecticides
Based on mode of action

Nikita saini
B.Sc – medical
(III yr)
202225
 Protoplasmic
Physical poisons
poisons

Insecticide

Respiratory
Nerve poisons
poisons

Insect growth
regulators
PHYSICAL POISONS
 Toxicants which bring about kill of insect
by exerting a physical effect.
1. Asphyxiants –(cause unconsciousness or
death by suffocation) e.g. Heavy mineral
oils.
2. Abrasives – (loss of body
moisture/dessication) e.g. Inert dust,
aluminum oxide. Fig : Activated clay
3. Absorbing moistures – e.g. Charcoal,
activated clay.

Fig : Inert dust

PROTOPLASMIC POISONS

 Toxicants responsible for precipitation of protein

especially destruction of cellular protoplasm and
midgut epithelium.
 e.g. Heavy metals like mercury, copper,
formaldehyde, fluorine and arsenic compound.

Fig : Insecticide
containing
arsenic
compounds
RESPIRATORY POISONS

 Chemicals which block cellular

respiration.
 They combine with enzymes like
cytohrome oxidase and other oxidases
containing iron and inhibit their
catalytic action.
 E.G. Hydrogen cyanide, carbon
monoxide, etc.
NERVE POISONS

 These chemicals inactivate

acetylcholinesterase. So
formation of acetylcholine is
blocked and nerve impulse
conduction is disrupted.
 e.g. Organochlorines,
Organophosphates, carbamates.
INSECT GROWTH REGULATORS

 An insect growth regulator (IGR) is a chemical substance that inhibits the life cycle
of an insect.
 IGRs are typically used as insecticides to control populations of harmful insect pests
 such as cockroaches and fleas.
 Hormonal IGRs typically work by mimicking or inhibiting the juvenile hormone (JH),
one of the two major hormones  involved in insect molting.
 Chitin synthesis inhibitors – interfere with process of synthesis of chitin due
to which molting and development is disrupted.
Examples- Hydroprene(Gentrol), Methoprene(Precron),
Triflumuron(Starycide)
 Some larvae may
stay in this juvenile
stage until they die.

Adults’
reproductive
organs are
affected and the
adult becomes
sterile.

Eggs treated with
Treatment with an
IGRs may never
IGR may prevent the
hatch. If the eggs
pupa from becoming
do hatch, the
an adult and
young insect may
reproducing.
not survive.
Thank you