The activity of insect juvenile hormone mimics in larval Amblyomma hebraeum Koch (Acarina : Metastriata : Ixodidae)

Abstract

A total of 14 insect juvenile hormone mimics was tested for activity in Amblyomma hebraeum by exposing newly engorged larvae to filter paper impregnated with hormone mimics. The most active compounds used in this assay were HS 103 (6-ethyl-3-pyridyl geranyl ether; EC₅₀ =0,0018 mg/ cm²), ZR 512 (Ethyl 3, 7, 11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate; EC₅₀= 0,0022 mg/cm²), HS 2 (6- methyl-3- pyridyl geranyl ether; EC₅₀=0,0035 mg/cm2), ZR 615 (N-ethyl 3, 7, 11-trimethyldodeca- 2, 4- dieneamide; EC₅₀=0, 0035 mg/cm²), ZR 777 (Prop-2-ynyl 3, 7, 11-trimethyldodeca-2, 4-dienoate; EC₅₀=0, 0039 mg/ cm²) and ZR 515 (Isopropyl-11-methoxy 3, 7, 11-trimethyldodeca-2, 4-dienoate; EC₅₀ = 0,0094 mg/cm²). Activity in this assay was similar to that reported in insects and was consistent with the susceptibility of these compounds to metabolic inactivation. The results suggest that ZR 615 may be of possible use in tick control.