Intro and Classification of Synthetic Organic Insecticides

An insecticide is a pesticide used against insects.

They include ovicides, larvicides and adulticides used against the eggs, larvae and adults of insects, respectively. The use of insecticides has been very popular since the arrival of first synthetic chemical insecticides during the days of world war 2. 

Insecticides cartoon

Since then, the scientists have been working on to increase the insecticidal potential and reduce the toxicity of the insecticides. We will be discussing more about these issue later on, first of all, lets have a look at the common types insecticides.

Types of Insecticides

1. Systemic Insecticides 
2. Contact Insecticides 
3. Natural Insecticides 
4. Plant-Incorporated Protectants (PIPs) 
5. Inorganic Insecticides 
6. Organic Insecticides

Synthetic Organic Insecticides

The synthetic organic insecticides are relatively new compounds. The first synthetic organic insecticide DDT was synthesized in 1874, and its insecticidal properties were first recognized in 1939.
During World War II, research in nerve gases led to the discovery of additional compounds that are effective insecticides.

Groups of Synthetic Organic Insecticides

The organic insecticides are split up into the following main groups:
1. Organochlorine Compounds (OC)
2. Organophosphorous Compounds (OP)
3. Carbamates (C)
4. Pyrethrins/Synthetic Pyrethroids (SP)
5. Others like Neonicotinoides, Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs), Pheromones etc.

Classification of Synthetic Organic Insecticides