STATO ATTUALE DELLE CONOSCENZE E DELL'IMPIEGO DI ORMONI NELLA LOTTA CONTRO GLI INSETTI DANNOSI

Abstract

The aurthor in this review summarizes and discusses the present knowledgc in tbe nature and mode of action of insect hormones (brain hormone, ecdysones, juvenile hormone) and hormones-like substances either extracred from otber sources (norably from plants) or syntesized in Jaboratory.

Results of laboratory and field applications of ecdysones, juvenile hormones and alikes as growth-inhibiting, diapause-breaking, ovicide, or plant pratectants agents are considered. The author concludes with some realist remarks about hopes and expectations of agricultural tecnicists and operators sensu lato, with particular attention to the possible aquiring resistence of insects against hormonal insecticides, and the potential health hazards for man and wild-life, in consequence of wide field applications of the insect hormones and hormones-like substances.