USE OF NATURAL-PRODUCTS IN PEST-CONTROL - DEVELOPING RESEARCH TRENDS

The rapid growth of knowledge of natural products with biological activities toward pests now provides an option for treatment, a clearer understanding of biochemical mechanisms, and a basis for biorational approaches to the design of pest control agents. Compounds that modify insect behavior are also valuable for pest control because they are normally not toxic to the target insect or to the environment. Natural products are often a key to understanding ecological systems. When the compounds are identified, progress can be made in understanding the metabolic cycles, the enzymes that lead to their biosynthesis, and the underlying genetic controls. An understanding of the interactions should make it possible to devise minimum changes that yield maximum benefits. Some developing research trends in the utilization of natural products for pest control are reviewed.