Tüm Yazılar
What is an Insecticide?
Classification of Insecticides
Insecticides are chemical substances used to control harmful insects and can be classified according to various criteria. These classifications are made according to their chemical structures, toxicological effects, and how they affect insects.
1. According to Their Chemical Structures
Insecticides are divided into various groups according to their chemical structures. These groups are determined according to their chemical compositions and active ingredients:
- Chlorinated Hydrocarbons: Organic compounds such as DDT and lindane. They are known for their long-term persistence and carry the potential to be harmful to the environment.
- Organophosphates: Compounds such as parathion and malathion. They have effects on the nervous system and are generally short-lived.
- Carbamates: Compounds such as carbaryl. They are effective on the nervous system and generally have short-term effects.
- Pyrethroids: Compounds similar to natural pyrethrins obtained from the pyrethrum flower and produced synthetically. They act quickly and have low toxicity.
2. According to Their Toxicological Effects
Insecticides can also be classified according to their toxicological effects. This classification is based on the lethal effects of insecticides on insects:
- Stomach Poisons: These are insecticides that are effective by entering the digestive system of insects. Insects die after eating these types of insecticides. For example, arsenate compounds fall into this group.
- Contact Poisons: These are insecticides that are effective when they come into contact with the bodies of insects. Insects die when they come into direct contact with these types of insecticides. For example, pyrethroids are included in this group.
- Fumigants: These are insecticides applied in gas form. Insects die when they inhale these gases. For example, methyl bromide falls into this group.
3. According to Their Penetration Methods
Insecticides can also be classified according to how they penetrate insects. This classification is based on the mechanism of action of insecticides on insects:
- Systemic Insecticides: These are insecticides that enter the plant and spread systemically, becoming effective when insects eat plant tissues. Insects absorb the insecticides when they suck the plant sap.
- Contact Insecticides: These are insecticides that are effective when they come into direct contact with the bodies of insects. They are generally applied by spraying onto the outer surface of insects.
- Stomach Insecticides: These are insecticides that are effective by entering the digestive system of insects. Insects die after eating these types of insecticides.
Classifying insecticides in this way helps in choosing the right insecticide for agriculture and pest control applications. Which type of insecticide to use is determined depending on the type of target insect, environmental conditions, and the application method of the insecticide.
Types of Insecticides
Insecticides are chemical substances used for the purpose of controlling and destroying harmful insects. They are effective against different insect species with various chemical structures and mechanisms of action. Insecticide types can generally be classified under the following headings:
1. Organic Insecticides: consist of carbon-based chemical compounds and are divided into various sub-groups:
- Chlorinated Hydrocarbons: Compounds such as DDT, dieldrin, and lindane. Their use has been banned in some countries due to their high persistence and environmental effects.
- Organophosphates: Compounds such as parathion, malathion, and diazinon. They have effects on the nervous system and show rapid action.
- Carbamates: Compounds such as carbaryl, aldicarb, and methomyl. They are effective on the nervous system and are generally less persistent.
- Pyrethroids: These are synthetic pyrethrins derived from the natural pyrethrum flower. Compounds such as permethrin and cypermethrin. They act quickly and have low toxicity.
2. Inorganic Insecticides: consist of chemical compounds that do not contain carbon:
- Arsenic Compounds: Compounds such as Paris green and lead arsenate. Today, their use is limited or banned.
- Sulfur Compounds: Compounds such as sulfur powder. It is especially effective against mites and fungal diseases.
- Borates: Compounds such as boric acid and borax. Used against household pests.
3. Natural Insecticides: are compounds obtained from plants and other natural sources:
- Pyrethrins: Obtained from the pyrethrum flower. It is fast-acting and has low toxicity.
- Neem Oil: Obtained from the seeds of the neem tree. It prevents the feeding and reproduction of insects.
- Rotenone: Obtained from tropical plants. It is effective against fish and insects.
- Nicotine: Obtained from the tobacco plant. It affects the nervous system of insects.
4. Microbial Insecticides: contain microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa:
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Obtained from a bacterium and is especially effective against caterpillars and larvae.
- Beauveria bassiana: A type of fungus that can be effective against many insect species.
- Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV): Targets insect larvae infected by viruses.
5. Biochemical Insecticides: compounds that affect the natural behavior and development processes of insects:
- Hormones: Hormones that affect the growth and development processes of insects. For example, juvenoids and ecdysoids.
- Pheromones: Chemicals that affect the mating and social behavior of insects. They are used in attractant traps.
- Plant Extracts: Extracts obtained from some plants prevent the feeding and reproduction of insects. For example, garlic and hot pepper extracts.
6. Fumigants: insecticides applied in gas form and used in enclosed spaces or for soil fumigation:
- Methyl Bromide: Used for soil pests and stored product pests.
- Phosphine: Used for insects in stored grain and other products.
Each type of insecticide shows different effects according to specific insect species and specific conditions, so its use must be carefully planned.
Application Methods of Insecticides
Things to Consider in Insecticide Use
The effective and safe use of insecticides is extremely important for both human health and environmental protection. Wrong or careless use can lead to serious health problems and environmental damage. Here are the main points to consider during the use of insecticides:
- Carefully read and understand all instructions on the product label. Labels contain the correct amount of use, application time, and other important information.
- Wear appropriate protective clothing (gloves, mask, goggles, protective suit) during application.
- Avoid direct contact with insecticides. Wash your hands and face thoroughly after application.
- Apply insecticides in windless weather conditions. Wind can cause the product to drift to non-target areas.
- Apply insecticides during the periods when insects are most active. This is usually early morning or late afternoon hours.
- Prevent insecticides from contaminating water sources. Water pollution can threaten aquatic life and human health.
- Be careful to protect non-target organisms such as bees and other beneficial insects. Avoid using insecticides during flowering periods.
- Store insecticides in their original containers, in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
- Observe the waiting period (pre-harvest interval) specified on the label before harvesting. This period is necessary for insecticide residues to decompose in the plant.
- Be careful to ensure there are no insecticide residues in food products.
- Avoid continuous use of the same insecticide group. Rotate to prevent the development of resistance in insects.
Careful and conscious use of insecticides helps to protect human health and the environment while increasing agricultural productivity. Therefore, it is of great importance to carry out insecticide applications by taking the above precautions into account.
Kategoriler
Etiketler
Yorumlar