INTRODUCTION TO INSECTICIDES
The substances that control insects are known as insecticides. By killing the bug or taking other measures to stop it from acting in ways that are regarded detrimental, control may be achieved. The application of insecticides to pests is done in a variety of formulations and delivery mechanisms, and they can be either natural or synthetic (sprays, baits, slow-release diffusion, etc.). In recent years, the field of biotechnology has even succeeded in introducing bacterial genes that code for insecticidal proteins into a variety of crop plants, killing any pests that mistakenly feed on them.Of the more than 1 million species of insects, about 10,000 species feed on crops, and of these, 700 species are thought to be responsible for the majority of insect damage to crops grown by humans, both in the field and during storage.
While insects have been around for at least 250 million years, humanoids have been around for more than 3 million years. We can assume that one of the earliest methods our prehistoric ancestors employed to lessen bug discomfort was embracing smoky flames or covering their skin in mud and dust to ward off biting and tickling insects, a practise similar to that of elephants, pigs, and water buffalo. Such methods are now categorised as pesticides called repellents.
The earliest records of insecticides relate to the burning of "brimstone" (sulphur) as a fumigant. Historians have traced the use of pesticides back to the time of Homer, around 1000 B.C. The majority of the earliest pesticide usage were documented in Pliny the Elder's Natural History (A.D. 23–79). Among these was using a green lizard's gall to coat apples to prevent rot and worms. Later, we discover a wide range of substances being utilised with dubious outcomes, including tobacco and pepper extracts, whitewash, vinegar, turpentine, fish oil, brine, and lye, among many others.
Our selection of insecticides at the start of World War II (1940) was constrained to a few arsenicals, petroleum oils, nicotine, pyrethrum, rotenone, sulphur, hydrogen cyanide gas, and cryolite. When synthetic organic pesticides, the first of which was DDT, were introduced, World War II marked the beginning of the Modern Era of Chemical Control.
Types of Insecticides
These days, insecticides are used extensively in the production and preparation of food. The crop can be destroyed and portions people eat contaminated by insects, rodents, and bacteria. Insecticides were created as a means of resolving this issue. These goods may have a chemical or natural foundation. Depending on the sort of problem you are trying to solve, there are several pesticides that you can employ.
Inorganic Insecticides
These are either synthetic or man-made compounds based on carbamates or pyrethroids, for example. These are created from substances containing heavy metals and arsenic, like boric acid and silica gel. Insecticides of the inorganic variety are quite effective, but they must be used cautiously and according to the instructions. Inorganic pesticides come in a variety of varieties.
Systematic insecticides:
These are applied to the soil and left there for plant roots to absorb. These insecticides penetrate the plant's leaves, branches, fruits, and twigs and shield them from insect chewing. Another type of systematic insecticide that aids in eliminating bacteria and larvae that damage plants is bactericides and larvicides.
Contact Insecticides:
Contact The typical sprays that may be used at home to get rid of bugs and mosquitoes are insecticides. Some of these items are also used to deodorise and sanitise the environment and home. The market offers these pesticides as sprays, coils, liquid vaporizers, and repellents.
Rodenticide:
A type of swallowed insecticide is rodenticide. It works like some sort of poison to kill rats. To get rid of rats, it is provided to them as toxic bait.
Herbicides:
Another type of pesticide that is used to eradicate diseased plants is the herbicide. It is specifically employed to eliminate plant components that are consumed by insects or regions where an infection has spread. Fungicides, which are used to eradicate weeds and fungi that reduce agricultural productivity, are also members of the same family of herbicides.
Organic Insecticides :
These are produced using fatty acids from plants or animals and plant oils. They don't hurt crops and are environmentally beneficial. These pesticides fall under the following types:
Insecticidal Soap :
To prevent insects from eating plants, insecticidal soap, which is formed of detergent or ivory liquid, can be sprayed on the plants. Despite being non-toxic, it shouldn't be sprayed outside in the sun.
Nicotine can be sprayed directly on plants after being diluted with water.
In order to prevent insects from feeding on plants, plain water should be sprayed on them often.
Making an informed decision requires that you are aware of the many insecticides that are at your disposal. When using synthetic materials, use caution to protect the environment and surroundings.
