Neonicotinoid Insecticides: Molecular Targets, Resistance, and Toxicity

• Published in: Annual review of pharmacology and toxicology Vol. 60; no. 1; pp. 241 - 255
• Main Authors: Matsuda, Kazuhiko, Ihara, Makoto, Sattelle, David B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Annual Reviews 06-01-2020
• Subjects: ion channels; neonicotinoids; nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; pollinators; resistance; selective toxicity; selective toxicity; nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; pollinators; ion channels; resistance; neonicotinoids
• ISSN: 0362-1642; 1545-4304
• DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010818-021747

Neonicotinoids have been used to protect crops and animals from insect pests since the 1990s, but there are concerns regarding their adverse effects on nontarget organisms, notably on bees. Enhanced resistance to neonicotinoids in pests is becoming well documented. We address the current understanding of neonicotinoid target site interactions, selectivity, and metabolism not only in pests but also in beneficial insects such as bees. The findings are relevant to the management of both neonicotinoids and the new generation of pesticides targeting insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.