How do Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) affect insect populations?

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) play a crucial role in pest management by mimicking the natural hormones that regulate growth and development in insects. By imitating these hormones, IGRs disrupt the normal maturation process of insects, affecting their ability to grow, molt, and reproduce. This disruption leads to a reduction in the insect population over time, as the treated insects cannot develop into viable adults or effectively reproduce.

Unlike traditional insecticides that kill adult insects outright, IGRs target specific developmental stages, making them effective for long-term control of pest populations. They can prevent the emergence of adult insects by interfering with the molting process or altering other critical developmental pathways. This characteristic makes IGRs particularly useful in managing pests that have complex life cycles or in environments where preserving non-target species is important.

Through these mechanisms, IGRs contribute to a sustained decrease in pest populations while minimizing direct harm to beneficial insects and other non-target organisms, thereby supporting integrated pest management strategies.