Types of response of insects on treatment with juvenile hormone active insect growth regulators

Summary The reactions of immature insects of more than 40 species placed in continuous contact with high doses of juvenile hormone active insect growth regulators were analyzed. 4 different types were recognized: Inhibition of both ecdysis and metamorphosis, defective metamorphosis, defective adult emergence and defective embryogenesis. The reactions are understood as a consequence of JH/ecdysone antagonism. The limits for the practical application of these substances are discussed.Acknowledgments. We wish to express our thanks to Miss M. Kälin, Miss M. Lehner, Mrs T. Mühle and Mr P. Müller for technical assistance and to Prof. G. Benz, Mr M. Gruber, Dr E. Günthart and Prof H. A. Schneiderman for helpful discussion and correction of the text.