Contact Insecticides: Polymorphism and Lethality of Crystal Forms

Many contact insecticides have been thought monomorphic for a long time. New polymorphs of several contact insecticides are being discovered and characterized. Studies of the lethality of crystal forms of contact insecticides toward fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) indicate new discovered forms are more active. This suggests that a reduced amount of insecticides can be used to fight against insects, while minimizing environmental impact. In addition, investigations of the lethality of crystal faces are currently underway.