Imidacloprid
From Free net encyclopedia
Imidacloprid (IUPAC name (EZ)-1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-nitroimidazolidin-2-ylideneamine) is an insecticide manufactured by Bayer Cropscience (part of the drug and chemical conglomerate Bayer AG). It is sold under the trade names Merit, Admire, Gaucho, Confidor, Premise and Winner.
The compound belongs to the class of neonicotinoid insecticides and acts on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Imidacloprid was first patented in the United States in U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,060, on May 3 1988, by Nihon Tokushu Noyaku Seizo K.K. of Tokyo, Japan.
Imidacloprid is notable for its relatively low toxicity to most animals other than insects, due to its specificity for the type of sensory receptor which is found more often in insect nervous systems than that of other animals (exceptions exist; certain species of fish, for example). This enables its use in applications as diverse as flea treatments for cats, control of beetle larvae in lawns and eradication or prevention of termite infestation in buildings and other areas where animals and people may be exposed to any residual chemicals.
A seed applied insecticide
One use of Imidacloprid is as a seed insecticide. It is applied to the seed before sowing, or the leaf of the plant. It diffuses in the plant vascular system. Insects ingest it by sucking the plant fluids. Imidacloprid is a very toxic insecticide (very quick and effective on insects), and is highly persistent in the crop. It is widely used on sunflowers, rice, vegetables as well as on corn (maize). The basis of the toxicity is the excessive activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the insect nervous system.
Seed applied insecticides have been gaining acceptance as a preferred way to deal with numerous insects as they are easy to use and comparable in cost to most traditional insecticides used at sowing time. Some also indicate that it might be better for the environment because less chemical is required than for broadcast or banded applications, or at least because less chemical is sprayed in the air. It is also easier and safer to use for the farmer. However, some note that the use of seed-applied insecticides at each season implies the chemical is used whether there is need to fight insects or not. In France, its use has been very controversial. See Imidacloprid effects on bee population.