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11 December 2025

Biological and Environmental Aspects of Imidazole Derivatives as Potential Insect Growth Regulators in Pest Management

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1
Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, HR31000 Osijek, Croatia
2
Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, RS21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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Department of Chemistry, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Ulica Cara Hadrijana 8/A, HR31000 Osijek, Croatia
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This article belongs to the Section Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds

Abstract

This paper reviews the biological and environmental aspects of imidazole derivatives and their potential as insect growth regulators (IGRs). Imidazoles, known for their broad pharmacological and pesticidal properties, act on insect hormonal systems by inhibiting the biosynthesis of juvenile hormone and ecdysone, leading to developmental disruption, premature metamorphosis, or mortality. Particular emphasis is placed on the compound KK-42, which shows significant effects across several insect orders. Although commercially available imidazoles are currently registered as fungicides, their selective activity, low toxicity, and synergistic potential with other pesticides make them promising candidates for developing new insecticidal agents. The paper also discusses their environmental toxicity and compatibility with beneficial organisms, highlighting the need for further research to minimize ecological risks and promote sustainable pest management in agriculture.

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