Insecticides
Insecticides
Insecticides (/ɪnˈsɛktɪsaɪdz/) are substances used to kill insects. They include ovicides and larvicides used against insect eggs and larvae, respectively. Insecticides are used in agriculture, medicine, industry and by consumers. Insecticides are claimed to be a major factor behind the increase in the 20th-century's agricultural productivity.
Etymology
The term "insecticide" is derived from two Latin words: "insectum" meaning "insect" and "caedere" meaning "to kill".
Types of Insecticides
Insecticides can be classified into two major groups: systemic insecticides, which have long-term activity; and contact insecticides, which have no residual activity.
- Systemic Insecticides - These are incorporated by the plant and are moved around to all the tissues (leaves, flowers, roots and stems, as well as the pollen and nectar).
- Contact Insecticides - These are toxic to insects upon direct contact. These can be inorganic insecticides, which are metals and include the commonly used sulfur, and the less commonly used arsenates and fluorides.
Related Terms
- Pesticides - These are substances that are meant to control pests, including insects. The term pesticide includes all of the following: herbicide, insecticide, insect growth regulator, nematicide, termiticide, molluscicide, piscicide, avicide, rodenticide, bactericide, insect repellent, animal repellent, antimicrobial, and fungicide.
- Herbicides - These are substances that are used to control unwanted plants.
- Fungicides - These are biocidal chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill parasitic fungi or their spores.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Insecticides
- Wikipedia's article - Insecticides
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