Ferenc M. Pallos

Synthetic mimics of insect juvenile hormone.

TERPENE derivatives other than farnesol possess excellent juvenoid activity1. We have examined the effects of epoxidized and unepoxidized aromatic ethers of geraniol on yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum) and other insects. The compounds can be synthesized easily from commercial materials and are reasonably stable to sunlight and hydrolysis. We have investigated the relationship between their chemical structures and their biological activity in the yellow mealworm2.

Development of morphogenetic agents in insect control.

Chemicals which interfere with the growth and development of insects (morphogenetic agents) have been receiving major attention as potential means of selective insect control. Major advances in this field resulted from the identification of Juvenile Hormones -1, -2, and -3, and the discovery that various terpenoid and sesquiterpenoid derivatives were more potent morphogenetic agents than the three known Juvenile Hormones. Several highly active compounds have emerged from these research programs. Their field performance, problems, and prospects in selective insect control are considered here.