ABSTRACT
Hormones are blood-borne signaling molecules that act as molecular messengers between one cell to another. Juvenile hormone (JH) plays key roles in insect development, reproduction and many other physiological functions. Because JH is specific to insects, it has been investigated for use as pest control. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are utilized in the management of crop and stored products pests, public health, urban pests and termite management. The insecticidal, ecotoxicological properties and the modes of action of individual juvenile hormone analogue (JHAs) and chitin inhibitors are described, and data relating to their effects on specific insect species are collated; the merits of different methodologies and the potential impact of IGRs as grain protectants are discussed in this chapter.
