Larvicidal Effects of Benzoylphenylureas Against the Lesser Mealworm (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships2
Larvicidal activity of a congeneric set of N-2-halo- (and 2,6-dihalo) benzoyl-N-phenylureas were determined in in vivo tests against the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer). Substituent modifications were made in both the benzoyl and anilide portions of the molecule. Linear regression analysis was used to derive quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) from LC50 and LC99 values and a series of physicochemical substituent parameters. The analysis resulted in two significant single parameter regression equations selecting Hammett σp constant as the only relevant chemical descriptor and rejecting the other descriptors as insignificant. Penfluron and 2,6-difluoro-N-[[[4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenyl]amino]carbonyl]benzamide were potent larvicides in these tests and exceeded the effectiveness of diflubenzuron and triflumuron.
Contributor Notes
2 Mention of a proprietary product or a pesticide does not constitute a recommendation by the USDA nor does it imply registration under FIFRA as amended.
3 Livestock Insects Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Livestock and Poultry Institute, Beltsville, Maryland 20705.
4 Plant Protection Institute, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
5 USDA-ARS, LIL, retired.