Toxicological interactions in insects exposed to simple mixtures containing botanical monoterpenes and conventional insecticides

Abstract

Due to its low toxicity in mammals and very low environmental impact, some botanical monoterpenes with insecticidal activity are an attractive alternative to conventional insecticides. There is extensive literature on the insecticidal activity of individual monoterpenes, but very few studies about toxicity of simple mixtures containing monoterpenes (2-4 components) or monoterpenes and conventional insecticides (organophosphorus, carbamates, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids). Additive, antagonistic and synergistic interactions have been reported for such a mixtures when applied on several insect pest species. The identification of monoterpenes that increase the toxicity of conventional insecticides has a potential practical application. It could be the first step towards the development of products to control pests by applying lower doses of such insecticides.