Targeting Cuticular Components for Pest Management

The insect exoskeleton is present as a rigid structure above a monolayer of epidermal cells and together both form the integument. The cuticle is composed of an outer, multilayered epicuticle and an inner procuticle containing the chitinous exo- and endo- cuticle. The non-living cuticle is replaced during each instar to accommodate growth and development by sequentially degrading the old cuticle and replacing it with a new one. The entire molting cycle and the shedding of the old cuticle are precisely regulated by a series of endocrine and neuroendocrine cues. This chapter addresses the various cuticular components, cuticular metabolism and cuticular biogenesis regulatory systems that have been targeted for pest management. Major classes of synthetic compounds, including benzoylphenyl ureas, benzoyl hydrazines and etoxazole that target chitin synthesis and the molting cycle are presented. In addition, we focus on recent developments toward the targeting of additional components of the cuticle or processes of cuticle biogenesis that may find future applications in pest management.