Monoterpenoids and Their Synthetic Derivatives as Leads for New Insect-Control Agents
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The Department of Entomology seeks to teach the study of insects, their life-cycles, and the practicalities in dealing with them, for use in the fields of business, industry, education, and public health. The study of entomology can be applied towards evolution and ecological sciences, and insects’ relationships with other organisms & humans, or towards an agricultural or horticultural focus, focusing more on pest-control and management.
History
The Department of Entomology was founded in 1975 as a result of the division of the Department of Zoology and Entomology.
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- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (parent college)
- Department of Zoology and Entomology (predecessor, 1975)
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Abstract
Monoterpenoids are natural substances which are found in many higher plant species. These plant secondary metabolites are generally considered as self-defense tactics against the plants' enemies. Our study was aimed at the anticipation of improved biological activities through the synthesis of derivatives of the natural monoterpenoids. We have also developed a systematic bioassay system to evaluate the spectrum of toxicities of the monoterpenoids. The results show that the monoterpenoids, either natural or synthetic, have a relatively wide spectrum of activity against agricultural and public health insect pests. Derivatization, especially, to the acyl derivatives of the monoterpenoids, has significantly improved the acute, fumigant, larvicidal and ovicidal activities against the above insects. The ether derivatives also showed enhanced insecticidal activity. When mosquito larvae were treated with the monoterpenoids at sublethal dosages, insect growth and development activity was observed. The enhanced biological activity of the synthetic derivatives of monoterpenoids indicates that optimal chemical structures for insecticides can be possibly elucidated through the study of structure-activity relationships.
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Reprinted (adapted) with permission from Synthesis and Chemistry of Agrochemicals IV, 584(28); 312-324. Doi: 10.1021/bk-1995-0584.ch028. 1995 American Chemical Society.