Research, development and application of s-methoprene in the USA——50 years of excellence

SU Tian-yun

Abstract：S-methoprene,a true analog of mosquito juvenile hormone (JH),was first synthesized in 1968,and first registered as chemical pesticide in 1975,later reclassified as biochemical pesticides in 1982 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).The term " biorational" pesticide was adopted in association with the birth of methoprenc.This compound together with its sibling hydroprene and kinoprene are categorized as 7A-Juvenile Hormone Analogues (JHAs) by Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC).Because of its high activity,relative target specificity and benign environmental profile,numerous products have been developed,registered and applied to control arthropods of economic importance in public health,livestock,pets,urban and store products.Low risk of resistance development and lack of cross-resistance to other pesticides in response to long term use further highlight the uniqueness and advantages of this compound.Upon the innovative approaches in chemical industries,the large-scale production of active ingredient with high purity of active form s-methoprene has become more feasible and affordable.In light of persistence or resurgence of traditional vectors and vector-borne diseases and emergence of new vectors and vector-borne diseases,it is anticipated that s-methoprene will continue to play an irreplaceable role in integrated pest management for the decades to come.It will be more so when one considers the following challenges in vector-borne disease management:shortage of new active ingredients and formulations,wide-spread resistance development,high cost of initial development and relatively narrow market shares,high standard for environmental sustainability,as well as strict governmental regulations.Overall,as a biorational pesticide,the efficacy and safety of methoprene have been well documented since late 1960s,and its future potential in integrated pest and vector management is unlimited.