Phytoparasitica (2006) 34, 187-196

Souad Chebira, Noureddine Soltani, Sarah Muylle and Guy Smagghe (2006)
Uptake and distribution of three insect growth regulators - Diflubenzuron, flucycloxuron and halofenozide - in pupae and adults of Tenebrio molitor
Phytoparasitica 34 (2), 187-196
Abstract: In a topical bioassay with pupae and adults of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), an important pest in stored products worldwide, three insect growth inhibitors (IGRs) were tested: the two chitin synthesis inhibitors diflubenzuron and flucycloxuron, and the ecdysone agonist halofenozide (RH-0345). To address differences in toxicity, we determined with the use of a ¹⁴C-labeled isotope, the pattern of absorption through the cuticle and then the distribution in the different body tissues of gut, hemolymph, integument and reproductive organs (ovaries, testis). The rate of absorption through the cuticle was highest for flucycloxuron, and this concurred with its high toxicity. In general, the patterns of absorption followed a similar trend in young and old pupae and in the adult stage. Accumulation in the reproductive system of females and males was relatively high, which may explain the strong reproductive effects of the IGRs tested. In addition, we recorded large differences in the clearance of insecticide from the insect body via the excrements, with the chitin synthesis inhibitors exhibiting higher rates than halofenozide.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Guy Smagghe, Noureddine Soltani

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Tenebrio molitor