Problem
Insect resistance to insecticides
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Nature:
The misuse of pesticides has inadvertently created strains of monster bugs that can no longer be chemically killed. There are about 30 species that can not be killed by insecticides. These pests have developed enzymes that detoxify a pesticide or slow its penetration.
Incidence:
The number of insect species estimated to have developed resistance to insecticides has risen from 12 in 1946 to 829 in 1980. There was a time when public health specialists thought malaria could be wiped out in some tropical countries. In Sri Lanka, a campaign to kill off mosquitoes with DDT reduced the number of confirmed malaria cases to 10 in 1963. In the late 1960s, the insect "vectors" had developed widespread resistance to the pesticide. By 1970, Sri Lanka was up to 1 million cases of malaria a year.
Broader Problems:
Pest resistance to pesticides Narrower Problems:
Flea resistance to insecticidesLouse resistance to insecticidesBlackfly resistance to insecticidesMosquito resistance to insecticidesHousefly resistance to insecticidesCockroach resistance to insecticides Related Problems:
Drug resistant virusesHerbicide tolerance in plants Aggravates:
Insect pests Arboviral diseases Insect vectors of disease Strategies:
Providing training on integrated pest management techniquesUndermining insect resistance to insecticides Subject(s):
Industry → Chemical productsInvertebrates → Insects
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
18.06.2019 – 16:40 CEST