An insecticide is a type of pesticide used against insects in agriculture, industry, households, and medicine. It plays a significant role in increasing agricultural productivity. Insecticides can be categorized into systemic insecticides, contact insecticides, and natural, inorganic, and organic insecticides. Nearly all insecticides have the potential to alter the ecosystem. Many are toxic to humans, and some persist in the food chain. The frequent use of highly toxic insecticides has exposed the environment to negative effects, including the poisoning of non-target species. Excessive insecticide use has become a major issue for birds and wildlife living near several waterways.
Anyone who maintains a lawn or garden should be aware that when insecticides are sprayed, a portion of these chemicals eventually reaches the drainage system, which carries them to the waterways. Additionally, personal exposure or handling of insecticides can be harmful to human health. The widespread effects of artificial and chemical fertilizers are no longer just theoretical—they are a tangible concern.
Due to various economic and medical reasons, there is an urgent need to control pests in both the agrochemical and industrial sectors. It’s essential to balance agricultural needs with environmental and health considerations when using insecticides. Efforts are being made to reduce the toxic content of insecticides while maintaining their efficacy. This has led to the development of biological insecticides, often referred to as natural or “greener” insecticides. Some examples include Bacillus thuringiensis, Spinosyns, azadirachtin, and Pyrethrum.
Billions of dollars are lost each year due to the damage insects cause to crops. Over the years, only a few solutions have proven effective in combating this destruction. Rohm and Haas pioneered the idea of greener insecticides. They developed compounds like Halofenozide and Tebufenozide, which target the ecdysteroid receptor to regulate the molting process in specific insects. These compounds are highly selective and do not harm other organisms, offering farmers, consumers, and society a safer and more effective way to control insect populations.
Benefits of Greener Insecticides
Greener insecticides offer several benefits:
- They do not harm flowers, plants, or wildlife, even if they enter waterways.
- These insecticides are effective for longer periods compared to other commercial products, which means less frequent application and better protection for plants.
- They are completely safe for you and your pets. You can enjoy the beauty and company of your garden without worrying about bites or rashes.
- They do not burn your lawn, and the soil quality remains unaffected, unlike when artificial and chemical fertilizers are used.
- They are economical compared to other commercial insecticides, allowing you to save money. You can use these savings to enhance your garden, add more plants, or invest in landscaping.
Examples of Greener Insecticides
‘Green chemistry’ is a branch of chemistry focused on minimizing or eliminating the use of harmful substances. A variety of greener insecticides have been developed for crop protection. This approach helps keep crops pest- and insect-free in an environmentally friendly way. Here are some examples of greener insecticides:
- Bacillus thuringiensis: A biological insecticide used as a larvicide against a range of caterpillars.
- Spinosad: A microorganism-based insecticide, highly selective in targeting pests that attack trees, fruits, ornamental plants, turf, vegetables, and cotton, without harming beneficial insects like predatory wasps.
- Pyrethrum: A natural insecticide made from the dried flower heads of *C. cinerariifolium* and *C. coccineum*, which belong to the daisy family, Asteraceae.
In addition to the advantages of using greener insecticides, there’s a sense of immense satisfaction knowing you’re contributing to environmental protection. Greener insecticides are both effective and cost-efficient. Their use is rapidly increasing and becoming a preferred choice worldwide. As awareness grows about the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers, many philanthropists are working to educate the public about natural alternatives.
