Neuro-muscular insecticides

Neuro-muscular insecticides are a class of chemical substances designed to control insect pest populations by disrupting their neuromuscular functions. These insecticides affect the insect's nervous system by disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contractions, leading to paralysis and death. The primary mechanisms of action include acetylcholinesterase inhibition, sodium channel blockage, and modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (gaba) receptors.

Goals and significance in agriculture and horticulture

The main goal of using neuro-muscular insecticides is effective control of insect pests, which helps increase crop yields and reduce product losses. In agriculture, these insecticides are used to protect cereal crops, vegetables, fruits, and other plants from various pests such as aphids, whiteflies, flies, and mites. In horticulture, they are applied to protect ornamental plants, fruit trees, and shrubs, ensuring their health and aesthetic appeal. Neuro-muscular insecticides are an important component of integrated pest management (ipm), combining chemical methods with biological and cultural control methods to achieve sustainable results.

Relevance of the topic

With the growth of the global population and increasing food demands, effective insect pest management is becoming critically important. Neuro-muscular insecticides offer powerful and rapid control methods; however, improper use can lead to the development of pest resistance and negative ecological consequences. The reduction of beneficial insects, contamination of soil and water sources, as well as health risks to humans and animals, highlight the need for thorough study and rational use of these insecticides. Research into mechanisms of action, assessment of their impact on ecosystems, and the development of sustainable application methods are key aspects of this topic.

History

Neuro-muscular insecticides are a group of agents that affect the nervous system and muscles of insects by blocking or disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses. These insecticides play a crucial role in pest control by affecting the mechanisms responsible for insect movement. The development of these insecticides began in the mid-20th century, and since then, this group of agents has expanded significantly to include both chemical and biological agents.

1. Early research and discoveries

Research on neuro-muscular insecticides began in the 1940s. Scientists began to study substances that could affect the insect nervous system and paralyze them without harming humans or animals. One of the first discoveries in this field was the creation of insecticides that disrupt nerve impulse transmission, such as organophosphate and carbamate-based agents.

Example:

• Ddt (1939) – dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, though not a direct neuro-muscular insecticide, was the first chemical agent to show an effect on the insect nervous system by disrupting its functioning. It works by interfering with the nervous system, including neuro-muscular synapses.

1. 1950–1960s: development of carbamates and organophosphates

In the 1950s, significant progress was made in neuro-muscular insecticides with the development of organophosphates and carbamates. These groups of insecticides affect the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the nervous system. Disrupting this enzyme causes acetylcholine to accumulate in synapses, leading to continuous stimulation of nerve cells and paralysis of insects.

Example:

• Malathion (1950s) – an organophosphate insecticide that blocks acetylcholinesterase, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine in nerve cells. This leads to paralysis and death of insects.
• Carbaryl (1950s) – a carbamate insecticide that, like organophosphates, inhibits acetylcholinesterase and affects the insect nervous system.

1. 1970s: use of pyrethroids

In the 1970s, pyrethroids were developed – synthetic insecticides that mimic the action of pyrethrin (a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemums). Pyrethroids affect the sodium channels in insect nerve cells, opening them and causing nervous system excitation, which leads to paralysis and death. Pyrethroids became popular due to their high effectiveness, low toxicity to humans and animals, and resistance to sunlight.

Example:

• Permethrin (1973) – one of the most well-known pyrethroids, used in agriculture and household settings to protect against insects. It works by disrupting sodium channels in insect nerve cells.

1. 1980–1990s: development of neuro-muscular insecticides

In the 1980s and 1990s, work continued on improving neuro-muscular insecticides. During this period, scientists focused on creating new classes of agents that would have a more specific effect on the insect nervous system, reducing toxicity to humans and other animals. Pyrethroids continued to be refined, leading to the creation of new generations of these agents.

Example:

• Deltamethrin (1980s) – a highly effective pyrethroid used to combat a wide range of pests. It works through sodium channels, disrupting their normal function.

1. Modern trends: new molecules and combined agents

In recent decades, bioinsecticides and combined insecticide formulations have gained an important place among plant protection agents. Neuro-muscular insecticides, such as pyrethroids, have continued their development, and new molecules with enhanced specificity and reduced environmental side effects have been introduced.

Example:

• Lambda-cyhalothrin (2000s) – a modern pyrethroid with high activity against insects, used for agricultural crop protection and in households.
• Fipronil (1990s) – a product that acts on gaba receptors in insect nervous systems, blocking the transmission of nerve impulses and causing paralysis. It is widely used in agriculture and veterinary medicine to combat pests.

Resistance problems and innovations

The development of resistance in insects to neuro-muscular insecticides has become one of the major issues in modern agriculture. Frequent and uncontrolled use of insecticides leads to the emergence of resistant pest populations, reducing the effectiveness of control measures. This necessitates the development of new insecticides with different mechanisms of action, the implementation of insecticide rotations, and the use of combined agents to prevent the selection of resistant individuals. Modern research focuses on creating insecticides with more sustainable mechanisms of action and minimizing the risk of resistance development in insects.

Classification

Neuro-muscular insecticides are classified based on various criteria, including chemical structure, mechanism of action, and spectrum of activity. The main groups of neuro-muscular insecticides include:

• Organophosphates: include substances like parathion and fosmetrin, which inhibit acetylcholinesterase, disrupting nerve impulse transmission.
• Carbamates: examples include carbofuran and methomyl, which also inhibit acetylcholinesterase but have less environmental stability.
• Pyrethroids: include permethrin and cypermethrin, which block sodium channels, causing continuous excitation of nerve cells and paralysis.
• Neonicotinoids: include imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, which bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, stimulating the nervous system and causing paralysis.
• Glycocxals: include malathion, which blocks deoxyuradenosine phosphate reductase, disrupting dna and rna synthesis, leading to cell death.
• Azalotins: examples include fipronil, which binds to gaba receptors, enhancing inhibitory effects and causing paralysis.

Each of these groups has unique properties and mechanisms of action, making them suitable for different conditions and for controlling various species of pest insects.

1. Insecticides affecting synaptic transmission

These insecticides block nerve impulse transmission between neurons or between neurons and muscles. Their mechanisms of action may include enzyme inhibition, ion channel blockage, or receptor blockage responsible for signal transmission.

1.1. Insecticides inhibiting acetylcholinesterase

Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, terminating nerve impulse transmission. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors block this process, leading to the accumulation of acetylcholine in synapses, continuous stimulation of nerve cells, and insect paralysis.

Examples of products:

• Organophosphates (e.g., malathion, parathion)
• Carbamates (e.g., carbaryl, methomyl)

1.2. Insecticides affecting ion channels

These insecticides act on ion channels, such as sodium or calcium channels, disrupting normal nerve impulse transmission. They can either block or activate the channels, causing irreversible damage to nerve cells.

Examples of products:

• Pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin, cypermethrin) — act on sodium channels, causing prolonged excitation of nerve cells and paralysis.
• Phenylpyrazoles (e.g., fipronil) — block sodium channels, affecting the insect nervous system.

2. Insecticides affecting neuromuscular synapses

Some insecticides act directly on muscles, preventing their contraction. These agents disrupt the transmission of nerve impulses from neurons to muscle cells, causing muscle paralysis.

2.1. Agents affecting gaba receptors

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (gaba) is a neurotransmitter involved in inhibiting nerve impulse transmission. Insecticides acting on gaba receptors disrupt normal inhibition, leading to excitation and insect death.

Examples of products:

• Phenylpyrazoles (e.g., fipronil, clothianidin) — block gaba receptors, leading to increased excitation of nerve cells and paralysis.

2.2. Agents affecting calcium channels

Some insecticides disrupt calcium channel function, affecting neuromuscular transmission. Calcium is required for normal muscle contraction, and its blockage leads to paralysis.

Examples of products:

• Chlorfenapyr — used for pest control and acts on calcium channels, disrupting insect muscle activity.

3. Insecticides affecting the central nervous system

These products affect the central nervous system of insects, disrupting the processing and transmission of nerve signals to the brain, leading to disorientation and paralysis.

3.1. Pyrethroids

Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides that affect the insect nervous system, particularly sodium channels, causing prolonged excitation of nerve cells and paralysis. They are among the most popular insecticides used in agriculture and horticulture.

Examples of products:

• Permethrin
• Cypermethrin

3.2. Phenylpyrazoles

Phenylpyrazoles block nerve impulse transmission by affecting sodium channels, leading to disruption of the insect nervous system and paralysis. These products are used both in agriculture and veterinary pest control.

Examples of products:

• Fipronil
• Clothianidin

4. Insecticides affecting the neuromuscular connection

Some insecticides affect the connection between the nervous system and muscle cells, causing paralysis.

4.1. Carbamates

Carbamates are a class of insecticides that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, leading to the accumulation of acetylcholine and continuous nerve cell stimulation and muscle paralysis.

Examples of products:

• Carbaryl
• Methoxyfenozide

Mechanism of action

Neuro-muscular insecticides affect the nervous system of insects by disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Organophosphates and carbamates inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for degrading the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. This leads to acetylcholine accumulation, causing continuous stimulation of nerve cells, which results in muscle spasms, paralysis, and death of insects.

Pyrethroids block sodium channels in nerve cells, causing continuous nerve impulse excitation. This leads to hyperactivity in the nervous system, muscle spasms, and paralysis.

Neonicotinoids bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, stimulating the nervous system and continuous nerve impulse transmission, leading to paralysis and insect death.

Impact on insect metabolism

• Disruption of nerve impulse transmission leads to failure in the metabolic processes of insects, such as feeding, reproduction, and movement. This reduces the activity and viability of pests, allowing for effective control of their populations and preventing damage to plants.

Examples of molecular mechanisms of action

• Acetylcholinesterase inhibition: organophosphates and carbamates bind to the active site of acetylcholinesterase, irreversibly inhibiting its activity. This leads to the accumulation of acetylcholine and disruption of nerve impulse transmission.
• Sodium channel blockade: pyrethroids and neonicotinoids bind to sodium channels in nerve cells, causing their constant opening or blockage, leading to continuous stimulation of nerve impulses and muscle paralysis.
• Modulation of gaba receptors: fipronil, a phenylpyrazole, enhances the inhibitory effect of gaba, leading to hyperpolarization of nerve cells and paralysis.

Difference between contact and systemic action

• Neuro-muscular insecticides can have both contact and systemic action. Contact insecticides act directly upon contact with insects, penetrating the cuticle or respiratory pathways and causing local disturbances in the nervous system. Systemic insecticides penetrate plant tissues and spread throughout the plant, providing long-lasting protection against pests feeding on various plant parts. Systemic action allows for longer-term control of pests and broader application zones, ensuring effective protection of cultivated plants.

Examples of products in this group

DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Mechanism of action
Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, causing the accumulation of acetylcholine and paralysis of insects.

Examples of products:
DDT-25, dichlor, deltos
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: high efficacy against a wide range of pests, long-lasting effect.
Disadvantages: high toxicity to beneficial insects and aquatic organisms, bioaccumulation, ecological issues, resistance development.

Pyrethroids (permethrin)
Mechanism of action
Blocks sodium channels, causing continuous excitation of nerve cells and paralysis.

Examples of products:
Permethrin, cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: high efficacy, relatively low toxicity to mammals, rapid breakdown.
Disadvantages: toxicity to beneficial insects, potential resistance development, impact on aquatic organisms.

Imidacloprid (neonicotinoids)
Mechanism of action
Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing continuous stimulation of the nervous system and paralysis.

Examples of products:
Imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: high efficacy against target pests, systemic action, low toxicity to mammals.
Disadvantages: toxicity to bees and other beneficial insects, soil and water accumulation, resistance development.

Carbamates (carbofuran)
Mechanism of action
Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, causing the accumulation of acetylcholine and paralysis.

Examples of products:
Carbofuran, methomyl, carbaryl
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: high efficacy, broad spectrum, systemic distribution.
Disadvantages: high toxicity to mammals and beneficial insects, environmental contamination, resistance development.

Neonicotinoids (thiamethoxam)
Mechanism of action
Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing continuous stimulation of the nervous system and paralysis.

Examples of products:
Thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, clothianidin
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: high efficacy, systemic action, low toxicity to mammals.
Disadvantages: toxicity to bees and other beneficial insects, environmental contamination, resistance development.

Neuro-muscular insecticides and their environmental impact

Impact on beneficial insects

• Neuro-muscular insecticides have toxic effects on beneficial insects, including bees, wasps, and other pollinators, as well as predatory insects, natural pest controllers. This leads to a reduction in biodiversity and disruption of ecosystem balance, negatively affecting crop productivity and biodiversity.

Residual insecticide levels in soil, water, and plants

• Neuro-muscular insecticides can accumulate in soil over a long period, especially in humid and warm conditions. This leads to contamination of water sources through runoff and infiltration. In plants, insecticides spread throughout all parts, including leaves, stems, and roots, providing systemic protection but also leading to accumulation in food products and soil, potentially harming human and animal health.

Photostability and breakdown of insecticides in the environment

• Many neuro-muscular insecticides exhibit high photostability, which prolongs their activity in the environment. This prevents the rapid breakdown of insecticides under sunlight and promotes their accumulation in soil and water ecosystems. High resistance to degradation complicates the removal of insecticides from the environment and increases the risk of exposure to non-target organisms.

Biomagnification and accumulation in food chains

Neuro-muscular insecticides can accumulate in the bodies of insects and animals, passing through the food chain and causing biomagnification. This leads to higher concentrations of insecticides at the upper levels of the food chain, including predators and humans. Biomagnification of insecticides creates serious ecological and health problems, as accumulated insecticides can cause chronic poisoning and health disorders in animals and humans.

Insect resistance to neuro-muscular insecticides

Causes of resistance development

• The development of resistance in insects to neuro-muscular insecticides is driven by genetic mutations and the selection of resistant individuals due to repeated use of the insecticide. Frequent and uncontrolled use of insecticides accelerates the spread of resistant genes within pest populations. Improper application rates and regimens also speed up the resistance process, making the insecticide less effective.

Examples of resistant pests

• Resistance to neuro-muscular insecticides has been observed in various pest species, including whiteflies, aphids, flies, and mites. For instance, resistance to ddt has been recorded in ants, antlions, and certain fly species, making their control more difficult and leading to the need for more expensive and toxic chemicals or alternative control methods.

Methods to prevent resistance

• To prevent the development of resistance in insects to neuro-muscular insecticides, it is necessary to use insecticides with different mechanisms of action in rotation, combine chemical and biological control methods, and adopt integrated pest management strategies. It is also crucial to adhere to recommended dosages and application schedules to avoid the selection of resistant individuals and maintain the effectiveness of the insecticides in the long term. Additional measures include using mixed formulations and implementing cultural methods to reduce pest pressure.

Safe use guidelines for neuro-muscular insecticides

Preparation of solutions and dosage

• Correct preparation of solutions and accurate dosage of neuro-muscular insecticides are critical for effective and safe use. It is essential to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing solutions and dosage to avoid overdosing or under-treating plants. Using measuring tools and high-quality water helps ensure the accuracy of dosage and treatment effectiveness. It is recommended to conduct tests on small areas before widespread application to determine optimal conditions and dosages.

Use of protective gear when handling insecticides

• When handling neuro-muscular insecticides, appropriate protective gear such as gloves, masks, goggles, and protective clothing should be used to minimize the risk of exposure. Protective gear helps prevent skin and mucous membrane contact as well as inhalation of toxic insecticide vapors. Additionally, precautions should be taken when storing and transporting insecticides to prevent accidental exposure to children and pets.

Recommendations for plant treatment

• Treat plants with neuro-muscular insecticides in the early morning or evening to avoid impact on pollinators, such as bees. Avoid treatment during hot and windy weather, as this may cause the insecticide to be sprayed onto beneficial plants and organisms. It is also recommended to consider the growth phase of plants, avoiding treatment during active flowering and fruiting periods to minimize risk to pollinators and reduce the likelihood of the insecticide transferring to fruits and seeds.

Adhering to harvest waiting periods

• Adhering to recommended waiting periods before harvesting after applying neuro-muscular insecticides ensures the safety of food products and prevents insecticide residues from entering the food chain. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding waiting times to avoid poisoning risks and ensure product quality. Failure to observe waiting periods can lead to the accumulation of insecticides in food products, negatively affecting human and animal health.

Alternatives to chemical insecticides

Biological insecticides

• The use of entomophages, bacterial, and fungal agents offers an environmentally safe alternative to chemical neuro-muscular insecticides. Biological insecticides, such as bacillus thuringiensis and beauveria bassiana, effectively control insect pests without harming beneficial organisms and the environment. These methods promote sustainable pest management and biodiversity preservation, reducing the need for chemical inputs and minimizing the ecological footprint of agricultural practices.

Natural insecticides

• Natural insecticides, such as neem oil, tobacco infusions, and garlic solutions, are safe for plants and the environment. These remedies have repellent and insecticidal properties, allowing for effective control of insect populations without the use of synthetic chemicals. Neem oil, for example, contains azadirachtin and nimbin, which disrupt the feeding and growth of insects, causing paralysis and death of pests. Natural insecticides can be used in conjunction with other methods to achieve the best results and reduce the risk of insect resistance development.

Pheromone traps and other mechanical methods

• Pheromone traps attract and capture insect pests, reducing their numbers and preventing their spread. Pheromones are chemical signals used by insects for communication, such as attracting mates for reproduction. Installing pheromone traps allows for targeted control of specific pest species without affecting non-target organisms. Other mechanical methods, such as sticky traps, barriers, and physical nets, also help control pest populations without using chemicals. These methods are effective and environmentally safe ways of pest management, supporting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem balance.

Examples of popular insecticides in this group

Product name	Active ingredient	Mechanism of action	Application area
Ddt	Ddt	Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, causing acetylcholine buildup and paralysis	Cereal crops, vegetables, fruits
Permethrin	Permethrin	Blocks sodium channels, causing continuous excitation of nerve cells	Vegetable and fruit crops, horticulture
Imidacloprid	Imidacloprid	Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing continuous stimulation of the nervous system	Vegetable and fruit crops, ornamental plants
Carbofuran	Carbofuran	Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, causing acetylcholine buildup and paralysis	Cereal crops, vegetables, fruits
Thiamethoxam	Thiamethoxam	Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing continuous stimulation of the nervous system	Vegetable and fruit crops, ornamental plants
Malathion	Malathion	Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, causing acetylcholine buildup and paralysis	Cereal crops, vegetables, fruits
Lambda-cyhalothrin	Lambda-cyhalothrin	Blocks sodium channels, causing continuous excitation of nerve cells	Vegetable and fruit crops, horticulture
Methomyl	Methomyl	Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, causing acetylcholine buildup and paralysis	Cereal crops, vegetables, fruits
Chlorpyrifos	Chlorpyrifos	Inhibits acetylcholinesterase, causing acetylcholine buildup and paralysis	Cereal crops, vegetables, fruits
Thiacloprid	Thiacloprid	Binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing continuous stimulation of the nervous system	Vegetable and fruit crops, ornamental plants

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

• High efficacy against a wide range of insect pests
• Specific action with minimal impact on mammals
• Systemic distribution in plants, providing long-lasting protection
• Fast action, leading to rapid pest population reduction
• Ability to combine with other control methods for increased effectiveness

Disadvantages

• Toxicity to beneficial insects, including bees and wasps
• Potential development of resistance in pest populations
• Potential contamination of soil and water sources
• High cost of some insecticides compared to traditional methods
• Requires strict adherence to dosage and application schedules to prevent negative consequences

Risks and precautions

Impact on human and animal health

• Neuro-muscular insecticides can have serious effects on human and animal health when used improperly. In humans, exposure can cause symptoms of poisoning such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and, in extreme cases, seizures and loss of consciousness. Animals, particularly pets, are also at risk of poisoning if insecticide comes into contact with their skin or if they ingest treated plants.

Symptoms of insecticide poisoning

• Symptoms of poisoning with neuro-muscular insecticides include dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Contact with the eyes or skin may cause irritation, redness, and burning sensations. In the case of ingestion, immediate medical attention should be sought.

First aid for poisoning

• If poisoning from neuro-muscular insecticides is suspected, it is crucial to immediately stop contact with the insecticide, wash affected skin or eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, and seek medical help. If inhaled, the person should be moved to fresh air and medical attention should be sought. In the case of ingestion, emergency medical help should be called, and first aid instructions on the product packaging should be followed.

Conclusion

The rational use of neuro-muscular insecticides plays a vital role in plant protection and improving agricultural and ornamental crop yields. However, it is essential to observe safety guidelines and consider ecological factors to minimize the negative impact on the environment and beneficial organisms. An integrated approach to pest management, combining chemical, biological, and cultural methods, promotes sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Ongoing research into new insecticides and control methods aimed at reducing risks to human health and ecosystems is crucial.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. What are neuro-muscular insecticides and what are they used for? Neuro-muscular insecticides are chemicals designed to control insect pest populations by disrupting their neuromuscular functions. They are used to protect agricultural crops and ornamental plants from pests, increasing yield and preventing plant damage.
2. How do neuro-muscular insecticides affect the insect nervous system? These insecticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase or block sodium channels, disrupting nerve impulse transmission and causing muscle paralysis. This leads to reduced insect activity, paralysis, and death.
3. Are neuro-muscular insecticides harmful to beneficial insects like bees? Yes, neuro-muscular insecticides are toxic to beneficial insects, including bees and wasps. Their application requires strict adherence to guidelines to minimize impact on beneficial insects and prevent biodiversity loss.
4. How can insect resistance to neuro-muscular insecticides be prevented? To prevent resistance, it is necessary to rotate insecticides with different mechanisms of action, combine chemical and biological control methods, and follow recommended dosages and application schedules.
5. What ecological issues are associated with the use of neuro-muscular insecticides? Neuro-muscular insecticides lead to reduced populations of beneficial insects, soil and water contamination, and accumulation in food chains, causing serious ecological and health issues.
6. Can neuro-muscular insecticides be used in organic farming? No, neuro-muscular insecticides typically do not meet organic farming requirements due to their synthetic nature and potential negative environmental impacts. However, some natural insecticides, like bacillus thuringiensis, may be permitted in organic farming.
7. How should neuro-muscular insecticides be applied for maximum effectiveness? Strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage and application schedules, treat plants in the early morning or evening, avoid treatment during pollinator activity, and ensure uniform distribution of the insecticide on plants. Testing small areas before widespread application is recommended.
8. Are there alternatives to neuro-muscular insecticides for pest control? Yes, biological insecticides, natural remedies (neem oil, garlic solutions), pheromone traps, and mechanical control methods can serve as alternatives to chemical neuro-muscular insecticides. These methods help reduce reliance on chemicals and minimize environmental impact.
9. How can the impact of neuro-muscular insecticides on the environment be minimized? Use insecticides only when necessary, follow recommended dosages and application schedules, avoid contamination of water sources, and apply integrated pest management methods to reduce dependence on chemicals.
10. Where can neuro-muscular insecticides be purchased? Neuro-muscular insecticides are available in specialized agro-technical stores, online stores, and from plant protection suppliers. It is important to ensure the legality and safety of the products and their compliance with organic or conventional farming requirements before purchase.