Abstract: A paratransgenesis system is disclosed to kill targeted social insects such as termites and cockroaches, for example the Formosan subterranean termite. A genetically modified yeast can be effectively used to express and deliver lytic peptides directly within the termite gut. Some highly lytic peptides directly damage the insect gut itself, leading to the death of the insect within about three days. Other lytic peptides kill all (or at least most) species of protozoa in the termite gut. The protozoa provide wood-digesting enzymes (cellulases) to the termite. Without these protozoa (and their cellulases) the insect dies within about six weeks. The system is completely free from conventional neurotoxins and other organic pesticides.

Abstract: The phenoxybenzyl moiety of conventional pyrethroids is a major site of oxidative metabolism in resistant tobacco budworms, Heliothis virescens (F.). This group was replaced with several P450 monooxygenase-inhibiting or oxidatively blocked groups. Several isomers were tested as insecticides or synergists for insecticides against tobacco budworms that were insecticide-susceptible or that expressed metabolic resistance to cypermethrin. Several compounds with insecticidal and synergistic activities were found. Activity was dependent on both geometric and stereochemical configurations. These compounds may be used in diagnosing the mechanism of resistance in field strains with acquired resistance to pyrethroids. Knowledge of the mechanism underlying acquired insecticide resistance helps farmers to control emerging resistant strains.