Adept WSP Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) Mode of Action

Adept inhibits chitin biosynthesis. The primary mode of action is by disrupting cuticle formation and chitin deposition occurring when insect larvae change from one developmental stage to another (molting). Studies show that without proper chitin development, larvae are unable to break the egg shells so they are unable to hatch or die soon after hatching. As treated larvae or larvae feeding on treated material grow, internal pressure on its weakened exoskeleton causes it to “rupture” and the larvae dies before it reaches the next growth stage. Adept has no effect on adult stages of insects.