INSECT NEUROPEPTIDES - CURRENT STATUS AND AVENUES FOR PEST-CONTROL

The physiological processes regulated by insect neuropeptides are extensive and include growth, development, molting, reproduction, diapause, behavior, color change, ion and water balance, and muscle contraction. Nearly 80 novel insect neuropeptides have been sequenced to date, 10 or so gene sequences have been determined, numerous analogs have been synthesized, and neuropeptide genes have been expressed in vector systems. Investigations into sites of synthesis and release, and tissue specificity and action, continue to reveal complexity in the (classically simple) insect neuroendocrine system. The rapidly increasing knowledge in this area suggests that useful prototypes for the design of selective pest control agents will emerge in the forseeable future.