Insecticides: Occurrence, Global Threats & Ecological Impact

In the first chapter of the book, the immunotoxicological risk arising from xenogenous substances is emphasised. Immunotoxicology investigates unwanted adverse effects of xenobiotics on the immune system of man and animals. With regards to insecticides and pest control, several studies showed that the insect endocrine system, especially anti-stress neuropeptides, could be used as a potential target for pest control. The second chapter examines the enhancement of insecticide efficacy specifically by adipokinetic hormones. In the third chapter, the authors propose, based on their research, that the combined use of different methods such as the use of biological control agents of insect vectors of aflatoxigenic fungi, plus the use of food grade antioxidants in sublethal doses, could help reduce aflatoxins in stored maize. Maize is a crop of major economic importance in the world because it is used as human and/or livestock feed. This chapter reviews the integrated management of insect vectors of aflatoxigenic fungi in stored maize. The fourth and last chapter of this book summarises the relationship between soil nematode communities as bioindicators of soil health and quality and application of insecticides used for the control of Western corn rootworm (WCR) in the maize field.