Impact of Locally Available Synthethic Insecticides on Public Health and Environmental Equity Field Survey in Swat

Abstract

A market survey of insecticides in Swat during June–July 2021 has provided specific preferences of the selection and use of classes of insecticides to manage chewing, sucking and medically important pests. The results show that growers tend to select and use an exclusive set of the following classes of insecticides: Carbamates (Carbofuran, Cartap Hydrochloride and Monomehypo) and Organophosphates (Acephate, Chlorpyrifos, Triazophos) to manage chewing pests. Carbamates are generally applied as the granule form and are systemic in plants. They are good to target chewing pests such as maize and rice stem borers as they interfere with the nervous and digestive system of the pest. Organophosphates are applied as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and as a wettable powder (WP) and they inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which results in control of termites, jassids, bugs, shoot flies and army worms.For sucking pests Neonicotinoids( in WP, WG and EC form) dominates the market due to their activity on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor which leads to paralysis and death of whiteflies, aphids, leaf miners and planthoppers. Insect Growth regulators (Buprofezin) alter development of exoskeleton, while Pyrroles (Chlorfenapyr) and Phenyl Pyrazoles (Fipronil) alter nerve functioning are also useful against hoppers and borers. In addition to the above categories of insecticides, we suggest using other groups, including, of, Pyrethroids (Deltamethrin, Lambda Cyhalothrin), Avermectins (Emamectin Benzoate) and Benzoylureas (Lufenuron) in your integrated pest management as they all affect pests in very different manners, such as contact, paralyses of the pest and inhibition of molting.For pests of medical significance, the major player is the class of chemicals called pyrethroids (Permethrin, Cyfluthrin, Deltamethrin) and natural pyrethrum are commonly used against mosquitoes and flies based on their actions on the sodium channel. In addition, organophosphates (Malathion, Dichlorvos), carbamates (Bendiocarb), and avermectins (Abamectin, Ivermectin), have some applicability, particularly bedbugs and lice. Pest management depends on different chemical classes such as Carbamates and Organophosphates for chewing pests and Neonicotinoids, and IGRs for sucking pests. There are also Pyrethroids and avermectins for control of medically important pests. This blends with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system by providing multiple options for pest control while management resistance and sustainability.