Photodynamic insecticides: a review of studies on photosensitizing dyes as insect control agents, their practical application, hazards, and residues.

Abstract

The study of chemical compounds which exhibit light-sensitizing insecticidal activity is a complex and rapidly expanding field. There is increasing evidence that light-initiated toxic mechanisms play an important role in evolutionary processes as well as in natural control of insect populations. Graham (1963) was early in calling attention to the possibility of using “photosensitizing agents” as insecticides and later (1972 a) he enlarged on this in a discussion of the entomological, ecological and evolutionary implications of “photodynamic action.” The latter is recognized today to be only one of the photochemical routes which are involved in biochemical and physiological damage caused by light; it is therefore necessary to limit the scope of this review.