PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “INSECTICIDES”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Organophosphorus and carbamate insecticide poisoning in large animals.

Organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides are used commonly in agriculture to control pests of crops and animals. These compounds are toxic and livestock poisoning has occurred from mistaken addition of unused insecticide to feeds and animal access to improperly disposed of materials or "empty" containers. The morbidity rate approximates a third of animals exposed and about half of those affected die. Organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides generate their toxic effects by bonding to and inhibiting ChE enzymes (most importantly, AChE), which are responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter ACh. The accumulation of ACh results in uninhibited impulse transmission at the cholinergic endings, including autonomic preganglionic junctions, certain neurons in the central nervous system, and motor nerves to the skeletal muscles. This eventually leads to fatigue of end organs; death usually is a result of respiratory failure. The "delayed neuropathy syndrome" is caused by some OP insecticides, but the pathophysiology of this syndrome does not involve the inhibition of ChE and accumulation of neurotransmitter. Over 100 anticholinesterase insecticides are in use. Variations in toxicity exist among these compounds, but larger diversities exist in the likelihood of poisoning because of differences in formulations, solvents, and conditions of use. Young animals usually are more sensitive than adults. Some of these agents are among the most toxic of manmade chemicals. These insecticides generally do not accumulate in tissues. The "chronic" effects depend on accrued physiological changes from frequent exposure to nonlethal doses. Clinical signs occur within minutes to a few hours and include the muscarinic signs of salivation, excessive lacrimation, frequent urination, and diarrhea. Concurrent nicotinic effects include muscular tremors followed by weakness and paralysis. Topical exposure results in similar poisoning but the onset of clinical signs may be delayed. Certain pour-on insecticides may cause a delayed (more than a week) syndrome in some breeds. Diagnosis of OP or carbamate insecticide poisoning is made by (1) interpretation of clinical signs and history that are consistent with this poisoning, (2) detection of the chemical compound in stomach or rumen contents and tissues, and (3) demonstration of the adverse biological effect, ChE inhibition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Availability of phosphorus and sulfur of insecticide origin by fungi.

Thirteen fungal species isolated from soil treated with pesticides were tested for their ability to mineralize and degrade three organophosphate insecticides currently used in Egypt (Cyolan, Malathion and Dursban) in liquid media free from phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S). All fungal species grew successfully on the culture media treated with the three used doses of insecticides (10, 50 and 100 ppm active ingredient) but the growth rate varied with the species, the insecticide and the doses. At 10 ppm level, insecticide degradation expressed in term of organic P mineralization (calculated as % of applied P) was the highest with all fungi tested. Organic P mineralization from pesticides was decreased by increasing the dose used to 50 and 100 ppm. The highest amount of P mineralized was observed with Cyolan followed by Malathion whilst P mineralization from Dursban proceeded very slowly. Aspergillus terreus showed the greatest potential to mineralize organic P followed by A. tamarii, A. niger, Trichoderma harzianum and Penicillium brevicompactum whilst the remaining fungi only moderately mineralized the organic P component of the insecticides tested. Organic sulfur mineralization by the used fungal species paralleled, to some extent, organic P mineralization. The extracellular protein content of culture filtrates in the presence of various doses of insecticides was also decreased by increasing insecticide concentrations. The extracellular protein was significantly correlated with P and S mineralization (r = 0.89** and 0.64**, respectively) whilst correlation with cell dry mass was not significant (r = 0.03 and 0.003) suggesting a direct relationship between pesticide degradation and microbial protein production. The addition of P or S to the growth media enhanced extracellular protein excretion, and increased organic P and S mineralization by the most potent species tested (A. niger, A. tamarii, A. terreus and T. harzianum). This increment was significant in most cases, especially at the higher application rates. The relationship between extracellular protein excretion and organic P and S mineralization from insecticides was highly significant with the addition of inorganic phosphorus (r = 0.96** and 0.83**, respectively) or sulfur (r = 0.85** and 0.89**, respectively) to the growth media.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Occurrence and behaviour of organophosphorus insecticides in the River Wuchuan, southeast China.

Organophosphorus (OP) insecticides are used worldwide, yet their persistence in the environment is not well understood. This paper summarises recent research on 17 OP insecticides in the River Wuchuan, an important catchment in China, by determining their concentrations in water, soil, sediment and plants by gas chromatography with flame photometric detection (GC-FPD). The concentrations of the total OP insecticides ranged from 92.77 to 229 ng l-1 in river water, 1.61 to 9.93 ng g-1 dry weight in soil, 1.24 to 7.56 ng g-1 dry weight in sediment and 75.28 to 326 ng g-1 dry weight in plants. There was a relatively high abundance of methamidophos, dichlorvos, malathion, omethoate and dimethoate in all water, soil, sediment and plant samples. On average, these five compounds collectively accounted for 64%, 71%, 71% and 54% of the total OP insecticide concentration in water, soil, sediment and plants, respectively, which was similar to the composition of OP insecticides in application formulations used in our study area and in China as a whole. The results therefore reflect the application pattern to some extent, and suggest that the sources of the OP insecticides are mainly from current usage. When compared with other areas, the levels of OP insecticides in the River Wuchuan were moderate. The animal and human risks from exposure to OP insecticides in water and plants were evaluated against relevant threshold values. The results therefore provide important information on the current contamination status of a key agricultural watershed in China, and point to the need for urgent action to control the use of some excessively applied and potentially persistent agrochemicals, such as methamidophos, omethoate and dimethoate.

China↗

Control of zoophilic malaria vectors by applying pyrethroid insecticides to cattle.

The principal method of malaria control in South and West Asia--indoor residual spraying--is extravagant with insecticide. A more efficient way of deploying insecticide might be to apply it on livestock since the malaria vectors in the region are highly zoophilic. A series of investigations assessed the potential of cattle treated with pyrethroid to control zoophilic mosquitoes. Permethrin, deltamethrin, and lambdacyhalothrin were applied to cattle using a sponge at concentrations of 0.5 g/m2, 0.025 g/m2, and 0.025 g/m2, respectively. 'Whole animal' insecticide bioassays that simulated natural mosquito-host contact were used to measure insecticidal and behavioural effects on wild host-seeking mosquitoes. The bioassays were performed on both sheltered and outdoor grazing animals for up to 45 days post-treatment. The possibility that treatments might cause diversion of host-seeking vectors from cattle to people nearby was also investigated. At the doses tested deltamethrin had the most pronounced and longest-lasting effect, reducing the proportion of bloodfed survivors by over 50% for the first two weeks. The majority of mosquitoes affected by the insecticide were killed before feeding. Insecticidal impact was generally lower on grazing than on sheltered animals. There was no diversion of host-seeking mosquitoes from treated cattle to nearby humans at any stage after treatment. The application of insecticide to livestock using a campaign approach may prove an effective means of controlling malaria in the region. At the doses tested deltamethrin is the most appropriate insecticide for this purpose.

Administration, Topical↗

Prediction of insecticidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis strains by polymerase chain reaction product profiles.

A rapid analysis of Bacillus thuringiensis strains predictive of insecticidal activity was established by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. Primers specific to regions of high homology within genes encoding three major classes of B. thuringiensis crystal proteins were used to generate a PCR product profile characteristic of each insecticidal class. Predictions of insecticidal activity were made on the basis of the electrophoretic patterns of the PCR products. Included in the screen were PCR primers specific for cryI, cryIII, and cryIV genes, which are insecticidal for lepidopterans, coleopterans, and dipterans, respectively. Known B. thuringiensis strains as well as unidentified strains isolated from soil and insect cadavers were analyzed by PCR. Small amounts of crude sample lysates were assayed in a single PCR reaction containing 12 to 20 primers capable of distinguishing between the different insecticidal genes. Insecticidal activity predicted by the PCR screen was found to correspond with the insecticidal activity of insect bioassays. In addition to identifying strains with known insecticidal genes, the PCR screen can identify strains with altered electrophoretic patterns containing potentially novel genes.

Animals↗

New insecticides with ecdysteroidal and juvenile hormone activity.

Agrochemical research over the last two decades has resulted in the discovery of chemically novel insecticides that mimic the action of the two insect growth and developmental hormones, the steroidal 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and the sesquiterpenoid juvenile hormone (JH). Bisacylhydrazines are non-steroidal agonists of 20E and exhibit their insecticidal activity via interaction with the ecdysteroid receptor proteins. Interestingly, two of the bisacylhydrazine (tebufenozide and RH-2485) insecticides are very selectively toxic to lepidopteran pests. These insecticides are safe to beneficial insects and have a benign ecotoxicological profile. Aromatic non-terpenoidal insecticides (fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen) mimic the action of JHs. However, like the JHs, their exact mode of action is not well understood. These insecticides are toxic to a broad spectrum of insects during their embryonic, last larval, or reproductive stages. The insecticidal, ecotoxicological properties and the mode of action of the two groups of insecticides are reviewed in this article.

Animals↗

Evaluation of Olyset insecticide-treated nets distributed seven years previously in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Insecticide-treated nets represent currently a key malaria control strategy, but low insecticide re-treatment rates remain problematic. Olyset nets are currently one of two long-lasting insecticidal nets recommended by WHO. An assessment was carried out of the effect of Olyset nets after seven years of use in rural Tanzania. METHODS: A survey of Olyset nets was conducted in two Tanzanian villages to examine their insecticide dosage, bioassay efficacy and desirability compared with ordinary polyester nets. RESULTS: Of 103 randomly selected nets distributed in 1994 to 1995, 100 could be traced. Most nets were in a condition likely to offer protection against mosquito biting. Villagers appreciated mainly the durability of Olyset trade mark nets and insecticide persistence. People disliked the small size of these nets and the light blue colour and preferred a smaller mesh size, features that can easily be modified. At equal price, 51% said they would prefer to buy an Olyset net and 49% opted for an ordinary polyester net. The average permethrin content was 33%-41% of the initial insecticide dose of 20,000 mg/Kg. Bioassay results indicated high knock-down rates at 60 minutes, but the mosquito mortality after 24 hours was rather low (mean: 34%). No significant correlation was found between bioassay results and insecticide concentration in and on the net. CONCLUSIONS: Olyset nets are popular, durable and with a much longer insecticide persistence than ordinary polyester nets. Hence, Olyset nets are one of the best choices for ITN programmes in rural malaria-endemic areas.

Animals↗

[Household insecticides: pattern of use according to per capita income].

OBJECTIVE: Although insecticides are widely used in many countries, few studies of their use in households have been conducted. This study was carried out to describe the household use of insecticides according to per capita income. METHODS: From October 1999 to January 2000, questionnaires on the use of household insecticides were applied to 2,039 households in the urban area of Pelotas, Brazil. Data was collected on income, use of insecticides in the 12 months prior to the interview, product type and chemical group of the insecticides found in the households and, mechanical protection used for insect control. Chi-square test for trends was used to assess relationships, prevalence rates and confidence intervals. RESULTS: Household insecticides were used in 89% of the households visited at least in one occasion in the 12 months prior to the interview. In 79% one or more units of insecticides were found in the household at the time of the interview. The most common types were aerosols and tablet refills for electric devices of the pyrethroid chemical group. Mechanical protection against insects was not widely used. CONCLUSIONS: Higher income households most frequently had insecticides in the form of pyrethroid aerosols while organophosphate sprays were more frequently found in lower income households.

Aerosols↗

[Hearing health of workers exposed to noise and insecticides].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the peripheral auditory disorders in a group of workers exposed to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides, used in vector control campaigns. METHODS: The prevalence study examined a population of 98 individuals who sprayed insecticides in campaigns for the prevention of Dengue, Chagas disease and Yellow fever. The sampling approach was finalistic, and included the workers in a health district of Pernambuco, during the year 2000. A questionnaire was used to collect data on occupational and non-occupational risks, safety measures utilized, family history of auditory problems and health symptoms. Previous noise exposure history was also investigated, since noise can be a confounding factor for hearing loss. Hearing sensitivity and middle ear function were assessed by pure tone audiometry. RESULTS: Among those exposed to insecticides, 63.8% demonstrated a hearing loss. For the group of workers exposed to both noise and insecticides, hearing loss was observed in 66.7% of the cases. The median exposure time necessary to detect high-frequency losses was 3.4 years for workers exposed to both agents and 7.3 years for workers exposed to insecticides only. Hearing thresholds were poorest among workers exposed to both agents. Auditory damage for those with combined exposures to the two factors was more severe than the hearing losses observed among those exposed only to insecticides. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that exposure to insecticides was associated with peripheral sensorioneural hearing loss and that noise exposure can potentiate the ototoxic effects of insecticides. It is necessary to evaluate this possible association through epidemiological studies.

Adult↗

Establishment of baseline susceptibility data to various insecticides for Homalodisca coagulata (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) by comparative bioassay techniques.

Homalodisca coagulata Say, adults from three locations in California were subjected to insecticide bioassays to establish baseline toxicity. Initially, two bioassay techniques, petri dish and leaf dip, were compared to determine the most useful method to establish baseline susceptibility data under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Comparative dose-response data were determined by both techniques to endosulfan, dimethoate, cyfluthrin, and acetamiprid. Toxic values were similar to some insecticides with both techniques but not for all insecticides, revealing susceptibility differences among the three populations of H. coagulata. In subsequent tests, the petri dish technique was selected to establish baseline susceptibility data to various contact insecticides. A systemic uptake bioassay was adapted to estimate dose-mortality responses to a systemic insecticide, imidacloprid. A 2-yr comparison of toxicological responses showed all three populations of H. coagulata to be highly susceptible to 10 insecticides, including chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, endosulfan, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, esfenvalerate, fenpropathrin, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam. In general, two pyrethroids, bifenthrin and esfenvalerate, were the most toxic compounds, followed by two neonicotinoids, acetamiprid and imidacloprid. The LC50 values for all insecticides tested were lower than concentrations used as recommended field rates. Baseline data varied for the three geographically distinct H. coagulata populations with the petri dish technique. Adult H. coagulata collected from San Bernardino County were significantly more susceptible to select pyrethroids compared with adults from Riverside or Kern counties. Adults from San Bernardino County also were more sensitive to two neonicotinoids, acetamiprid and imidacloprid. The highest LC50 values were to endosulfan, which nonetheless proved highly toxic to H. coagulata from all three regions. In the majority of the tests, mortality increased over time resulting in increased susceptibility at 48 h compared with 24 h. These results indicate a wide selection of highly effective insecticides that could aid in managing H. coagulata populations in California.

Animals↗

Effect of insecticides on Tiphia vernalis (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae) oviposition and survival of progeny to cocoon stage when parasitizing Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) larvae.

The effect of insecticides on oviposition of Tiphia vernalis Rohwer and subsequent survival of parasitoid progeny to the cocoon stage was determined in the laboratory by using larval Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, as the host. Insecticides tested were imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, halofenozide, chlorpyrifos, and carbaryl at labeled rates. Female T. vernalis were allowed 2 d to parasitize P. japonica larvae after the parasitoids had received a 4-d exposure to insecticide-treated soil. Another group of female T. vernalis were allowed 2 d to parasitize P. japonica larvae that had been exposed to insecticide-treated soil for 3-4 d. Percentage of parasitism of P. japonica larvae in these trials after exposure of adult parasitoids to carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, halofenozide, or imidacloprid-treated soil (23.3-50.0%) or adult parasitoids to chlorpyrifos, halofenozide, or imidacloprid-treated grubs (33.0-56.7%) was not negatively affected relative to the control treatment (21.7-54.2%). A third group of adult T. vernalis and P. japonica larvae were simultaneously exposed to chlorpyrifos or carbaryl treatments. Percentage parasitism in these trials was lower for T. vernalis adults exposed to the chlorpyrifos and carbaryl (15.0-25.0%) relative to the control (57.5-62.5%) with the exception of one trial with carbaryl (40.0%). However, exposure of the parasitoid and P. japonica to chlorpyrifos 0.5X, carbaryl 0.5X, imidacloprid, halofenozide, or thiamethoxam in several trials resulted in parasitism that was equivalent or greater than (45.0-80.0%) the untreated control (57.5-62.5%). Japanese beetle larval mortality in these trials was greater in the insecticide and parasitoid combination (97.5-100.0%) than with insecticides alone (45.0-100.0%). Percentage of survival of T. vernalis progeny to the cocoon stage was not negatively affected by a 4-d adult parasitoid exposure to carbaryl and chlorpyrifos treated soil (11.7-16.7% versus 18.3% control) or a 2-d exposure to P. japonica-treated larvae (16.7-18.3% versus 28.3% control). However, simultaneous exposure of T. vernalis progeny and P. japonica larvae to chlorpyrifos- and carbaryl-treated soil resulted in no parasitoids surviving to the cocoon stage. Between neonicotinoids, thiamethoxam had more adverse impact on percentage parasitism (52.5%) and survival to the cocoon stage (10.0%) than imidacloprid (80.0 and 32.5%, respectively). Results of this study indicate soil incorporation of imidacloprid and halofenozide had minimal effect on the number of P. japonica larvae parasitized by T. vernalis or survival of T. vernalis progeny to the cocoon stage; therefore, they are more suitable for use with T. vernalis. In contrast, chlorpyrifos, carbaryl, and thiamethoxam lowered the number of T. vernalis progeny surviving to the cocoon stage, and carbaryl and chlorpyrifos reduced the number of P. japonica larvae parasitized. The soil incorporation of insecticides is discussed as one explanation for the minimal effects of some insecticides on T. vernalis.

Animals↗

Susceptibility of immature stages of Homalodisca coagulata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) to selected insecticides.

Susceptibility of immatures of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca coagulata (Say) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), to 10 insecticides that included chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, endosulfan, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, esfenvalerate, fenpropathrin, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam was evaluated in the laboratory. All five instars were exposed to different doses of each foliar insecticide by the petri dish technique, whereas a systemic uptake method was used to assess the toxicity to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. All test insecticides exhibited high toxicity to all immature stages of H. coagulata at concentrations below the field recommended rates of each insecticide. Although all five instars were susceptible to test insecticides, mortality was significantly higher in first instars than in the older immatures based on low LC50 values (ranging from 0.017 to 5.75 ng(AI)/ml) with susceptibility decreasing with each successive stage. Fifth instars were generally the least sensitive (LC50 values ranging from 0.325 to 216.63 ng (AI)/ml). These results show that mortality was directly related to age of the insect and suggest that chemical treatment at early stages is more effective than at late stages. Acetamiprid (neonicotinoid) and bifenthrin (pyrethroid) were the most toxic to all five instars, inducing most mortality within 24 h and showing lower LC50 values ranging from 0.017 to 0.686 ng/ml compared with other insecticides (LC50 values ranging from 0.191 to 216.63 ng(AI)/ml). Our data suggest that a diverse group of very effective insecticides are available to growers for controlling all stages of H. coagulata. Knowledge on toxicity of select insecticides to H. coagulata immatures may contribute to our understanding of resistance management in future for this pest by targeting specific life stages instead of the adult stage alone.

Animals↗

The efficacy and residual life span of two alphacypermethrin insecticide formulations (Fendona 6% suspension concentrate and Fendona Dry 15%) treated on mosquito bed nets.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of mosquito nets treated with two formulations of alpha-cypermethrin insecticide with a view to recommending the most appropriate formulation for use to treat mosquito nets. DESIGN: Assessment of insecticide potency under conditions of ordinary use. SETTING: Chilonga rural irrigation community in south east Lowveld Zimbabwe, a holoendemic area of year round malaria transmission. SUBJECTS: Convenience sample of 20 household heads (volunteers) was issued with treated mosquito nets. INTERVENTION: Following mosquito net treatment and distribution, bioassay tests were carried out monthly for a period of six months on insecticide and placebo treated nets. Questionnaires were administered once, one month post treatment of nets. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Median mosquito knock down times of mosquitoes exposed to insecticide treated nets and community attitude towards the use of insecticide treated nets. RESULTS: Average time taken to knock down the median mosquito progressed from 2.3 minutes to 13.0 minutes for Fendona Dry 15% and from 4.1 minutes to 7.8 minutes for Fendona 6% SC over the six month period. The average time taken to knock down the median mosquito three months post-washing were 13.0 minutes and 7.4 minutes for Fendona Dry 15% and Fendona 6% SC respectively as against more than 30 minutes in controls. Both insecticides exhibited some wash resistance properties. The side effects reported were sneezing, itching, skin rash and smelling. Questionnaire data suggested that alphacypermethrin treated mosquito nets were welcomed. CONCLUSIONS: Both insecticide formulations proved to be suitable candidates. This was because of their insecticidal potency, wash resistance properties and acceptance by the community.

Animals↗

Insecticide susceptibility in Anopheles pseudopunctipennis from Colombia: comparison between bioassays and biochemical assays.

Anopheles pseudopunctipennis, one of the primary vectors of malaria in the southwest of Colombia, was evaluated for susceptibility to the 3 major insecticide groups (organophosphates, pyrethroids, and carbamates) by bioassay and biochemical assay. Larval populations, which were collected principally from irrigation channels in agricultural areas, where the intensity of insecticide use varied, were utilized to establish susceptibility for the 1st time in this species. The baselines for each population showed a range of biological susceptibility to the insecticides evaluated, but overall no resistance was detected according to standards established by the World Health Organization. The high sensitivity of biochemical microassays enabled the detection of a small proportion of mosquitoes with higher levels of nonspecific esterases and mixed-function oxidases from 2 areas where agricultural application of organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides had been heavy. These differences were not sufficient to affect susceptibility as measured by bioassay. No evidence of insensitive acetylcholinesterase was observed. Absence of resistance in areas that have experienced heavy insecticide application could be explained by genetic drift, by gene flow from areas without insecticide pressure, by manner of exposure to the insecticides, or by recent changes in agricultural activities that decreased insecticide use. Baseline values were established that serve as provisional susceptibility thresholds for applying simple Centers for Disease Control and Prevention biochemical assay and bioassay methods to larvae of this anopheline species.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Successful integration of insecticide-treated bed net distribution with mass drug administration in Central Nigeria.

In Africa anopheline mosquitoes transmit malaria and lymphatic filariasis (LF); insecticide-treated bed nets significantly reduce transmission of both. Insecticide-treated bed net provision to children under 5 (U5) and pregnant women (PW) is a major goal of malaria control initiatives, but use in Africa remains low because of cost and logistics. We therefore integrated insecticide-treated bed net distribution with the 2004 LF/onchocerciasis mass drug administration (MDA) program in Central Nigeria. Community volunteers distributed 38,600 insecticide-treated bed nets, while simultaneously treating 150,800 persons with ivermectin/albendazole (compared with 135,600 in 2003). This was subsequently assessed with a 30-cluster survey. Among surveyed households containing U5/PW, 80% (95% CI, 72-87%) owned > or = 1 insecticide-treated bed net, a 9-fold increase from 2003. This first linkage of insecticide-treated bed net distribution with mass drug administration resulted in substantial improvement in insecticide-treated bed net ownership and usage, without adversely affecting mass drug administration coverage. Such integration allowed two programs to share resources while realizing mutual benefit, and is one model for rapidly improving insecticide-treated bed net coverage objectives.

Adolescent↗

Nonoxidative enzymes in the metabolism of insecticides.

Two major classes of enzymes, i.e., hydrolases and transferases, comprise all the nonoxidative enzymes, and together these enzymes catalyze a wide variety of biotransformations of insecticides. The hydrolytic enzymes involved in insecticide metabolism are carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1), arylesterase alkylamidase, and DFPase (EC 3.8.2.1). Recent experimental evidence suggests that carboxylesterase enzyme(s), formerly known to hydrolyze malathion-type insecticides, can also catalyze hydrolysis of a variety of diversified insecticidal esters such as benzilic acid derivatives, carbanilate compounds, and pyrethroids. These organophosphate-sensitive esterases, with the exception of the enzyme which hydrolyzes malathion, are all present in microsomes. Similarly, the action of amidases now extends to those insecticidal compounds of their intermediates which contain an aminoformyl (N-CHO) moiety. Arylesterase and DFPase catalyze the P-anhydride bond cleavage of the leaving group, a major hydrolytic pathyway for organophosphate insecticides. Transferal enzymes which are presently know to metabolize insecticidal organophosphates are GSH-S-alkyltransferase (EC 2.5.1.12) and GSH-S-aryltransferase (EC 2.5.1.13). These enzymes cleave P-O-R (R = alkyl) or P-0-X (X = aromatic), with subsequent transfer of the R or X group to glutathione. Regarding the other conjugating enzymes, UDP-glucuronyltransferase (EC 2.4.L.17), UDP-glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.35), and arylamine acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.5), much work is needed to understand their interactions with insecticidal compounds. There is some evidence that arylsulfotransferase (EC 2.8.2.1) MAY PLAY A PROMINENT ROLE IN THE CONJUGATIVE MECHANISMS OF INSECTS.

Amidohydrolases↗

Nonoxidative enzymes in the metabolism of insecticides.

Two major classes of enzymes, i.e., hydrolases and transferases, comprise all the nonoxidative enzymes, and together these enzymes catalyze a wide variety of biotransformations of insecticides. The hydrolytic enzymes involved in insecticide metabolism are carboxylesterase (EC 3.1.1.1), arylesterase (EC 3,1.1.2), alkylamidase, and DFPase (EC 3.8.2.1). Recent experimental evidence suggests that carboxylesterase enzymes(s), formerly known to hydrolyze malathion-type insecticides, can also catalyze hydrolysis of a variety of diversified insecticidal esters such as benzilic acid derivatives, carbanilate compounds, and pyrethroids. These organo-phosphate-sensitive esterases, with the exception of the enzyme which hydrolyzes malathion, are all present in microsomes. Similarly, the action of amidases now extends to those insecticidal compounds or their intermediates which contain an aminoformyl (N--CHO) moiety. Arylesterase and DFPase catalyze the P--anhydride bond cleavage of the leaving group, a major hydrolytic pathway for organophosphate insecticides. Transferal enzymes which are presently known to metabolize insecticidal organophosphates are GSH-S-alkyltransferase (EC 2.5.1.12) and GSH-S-aryltransferase (EC 2.5.1.13). These enzymes cleave P--O--R (R = alkyl) or P--O--X (X = aromatic), with subsequent transfer of the R or X group to glutathione. Regarding the other conjugating enzymes, UDP-glucuronyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.17), UDP-glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.35), and arylamine acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.5), much work is needed to understand their interactions with insecticidal compounds. There is some evidence that arylsulfotransferase (EC 2.8.2.1) may play a prominent role in the conjugative mechanisms of insects.

Amidohydrolases↗

Impact of triazophos insecticide on paddy soil environment.

A laboratory incubation study was carried out to elucidate the dynamic response of insecticide (triazophos) on a paddy field soil health under controlled moisture (flooded soil) and temperature (25 degrees C). The insecticide was applied at five levels that were 0.0 (control), 0.5 field rate (FR), 1.0 FR, 5.0 FR, and 10.0 FR, where FR was 1500 ml/hm2, and the parameters were studied at 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatments' addition. The electron transport system (ETS)/dehydrogenase activity exhibited a negative correlation with insecticide concentrations, and the activity affected adversely as the concentration increased. The higher doses of 5 and 10 field rates significantly reduced the ETS activity, while lower rates failed to produce any significant inhibiting effect against the control. The toxicity of insecticide decreased towards decreasing the ETS activity with the advancement of incubation period. The insecticide caused an improvement in the soil phenol content and it increased with increasing concentration of insecticide. The insecticide incorporation applied at various concentrations did not produce any significant change in soil protein content and it remained stable throughout the incubation period of 21-days. The response of biomass phospholipid content was nearly similar to ETS activity. The phospholipid content was decreased with the addition of insecticide and the toxicity was in the order: 10 FR (field rate) > 5 FR > 1.0 FR > 0.5 FR > control and it also decreased with incubation period.

Agriculture↗