Insecticide Mode of Action

Classification:
A Key to Effective Insecticide Resistance
Management in Whiteflies

Introduction Insecticides acting on the nervous system

IRAC has developed a Mode of Action (MoA) classification for The nervous system is the target for many current insecticides, but
insecticides. It promotes the use of this as the basis for effective and within this system are many target sites. Insecticides with specific mode
sustainable insecticide resistance management (IRM). Thus, the IRAC of action act at these targets:
MoA classification list provides farmers, growers, advisors, extension
staff, consultants and crop protection professionals with a guide to the Group 1 Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors
selection of insecticides or acaricides in IRM programs. Carbamates (1A) and Organophosphates (1B) act as inhibitors of AChE
When resistance to an insecticide arises, not only does this resistance at nerve synapses. This results in hyperactivity in the nervous system
render the selecting compound ineffective but it also confers cross-
Group 2 GABA-gated chloride channel antagonists
resistance to other chemically related compounds. This is because
compounds within a specific chemical group usually share a common
Cyclodiene organochlorines (2A) bind to the GABA-gated chloride
MoA. It is common for resistance to develop that is based on a genetic channel receptor complex and inhibit the action of GABA causing
modification of this target site. When this happens the interaction of the neuronal hyperactivity
selecting compound with the target site is impaired and the compound
Group 3 Sodium channel modulators
loses its pesticidal efficacy. Because all compounds within the same
chemical sub-group share a common MoA, there is a high risk that the
Sodium channels are involved in the propagation of action potential
resistance that has developed will automatically confer cross-resistance along nerves. Pyrethroids rapidly interfere with their action, causing
to all the compounds in the same sub-group. hyperactivity and nerve block
By selecting sequences of insecticides from different MoA groups a Group 4 Acetylcholine receptor agonists
sustainable IRM program can be developed. Effective IRM of this type The neonicotinoids (4A) act as agonists of acetylcholine at the post-
can help to preserve the utility and diversity of insecticides for pest insect
synaptic nicotinic Acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). This leads to
control. This poster details the mode of action of insecticides available
for the control of whiteflies.
overstimulation and hyperactivity

Insecticides inhibiting
Insecticides interfering with metamorphosis cuticle synthesis (Type 1)
Metamorphosis is controlled by hormones including juvenile hormone and
New cuticle is synthesised during the
disruption of this system is insecticidal moult cycle and insecticides which
Group 7 Juvenile hormone mimics interfere with this process disrupt the molt
Pyriproxyfen (7C) acts as a mimic of JH and when applied to juvenile cycle leading to death of the insect
stages disrupts and prevents metamorphosis Group 16 Inhibitors of chitin
biosynthesis (Homoptera): Buprofezin
This compound inhibits chitin synthesis in
Insecticides inhibiting a number of insects including whiteflies
metabolic processes
A number of metabolic processes are the Insecticides acting as
target of whitefly insecticides:
feeding blockers
Group 12A Inhibitors of oxidative Group 9 Compounds of
phosphorylation, disruptors of ATP unknown action: Pymetrozine
formation: Diafenthiuron Pymetrozine (9B) has a non-
Diafenthiuron is a mitochondrial respiration specific mode of action which
inhibitor for whitefly control in some countries appears to involve a selective
Group 23 Inhibitors of lipid synthesis: inhibition of whitefly feeding. Insects
Spiromesifen die as a result of starvation

In this new MoA group, the tetronic acid

derivative Spiromesifen inhibits lipid
Insecticide classes for whitefly control
IRAC lists 26 mode of action groups (42 including sub-groups);
synthesis, leading to insect death.
10 of these are commonly used for whitefly control
Group Mode of Action Chemical sub-group or
exemplifying active ingredient
Effective IRM strategies: Alternations or 1A Carbamates
sequences of MoA 1B
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Organophosphates
All effective insecticide resistance management (IRM) strategies seek to
2A GABA-gated chloride channel antagonists Cyclodiene organochlorines
minimise the selection for resistance from any one type of insecticide.
In practice, alternations, sequences or rotations of compounds from different 3 Sodium channel modulators Pyrethroids
MoA groups provide sustainable and effective IRM. This ensures that
selection from compounds in the same MoA group is minimised. Applications 4A Nicotinic Acetylcholine receptor agonists Neonicotinoids
are often arranged into MoA spray windows or blocks that are defined by the
7C Juvenile hormone mimics Pyriproxyfen
stage of crop development and the biology of the pest(s) of concern.
Cross-resistance between MoA groups can arise through metabolic 9B
Compounds of unknown or non-specific
Pymetrozine
mechanisms and users should be aware of local issues in this regard. In the action (selective feeding blockers)
absence of such information alternations or sequences of MoA will always Inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation,
minimise selection pressures. 12A Diafenthiuron
disruptors of ATP formation
Local expert advice should always be followed with regard to spray windows Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis, type 1,
and timings. Several sprays of a compound may be possible within each 16 Buprofezin
Homopteran
spray window but it is generally essential to ensure that successive
Tetronic acid derivative:
generations are not treated with compounds from the same MoA group. 23 Inhibitors of lipid synthesis
Spiromesifen
v2, October 2005