PHYTOCHEMICAL DEFENSES TARGETING THE INSECT ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Following chemical characterization of the juvenile hormone (JH) of in sects, synthetic optimization procedures created the first biorational products for insect control. Subsequently, the discovery of plant sec ondary chemistry possessing JH activity led to the development of a se cond generation of insect growth regulator products with enhanced effi cacy. Phytochemical investigations also revealed compounds with antiju venile hormone (AJH) activity suggesting additional biorational approa ches for the disruption of insect metamorphosis and reproduction.