Clothianidin

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Clothianidin is a neonicotinoid insecticide developed by Takeda Chemical Industries and Bayer AG. Similar to thiamethoxam and imidacloprid, it is a systemic insecticide that acts as an insect neurotoxin and belongs to a class of chemicals called the neonicotinoids which act on the central nervous system of insects with lower toxicity to mammals.

History[edit | edit source]

Clothianidin was developed by Takeda Chemical Industries and Bayer AG. It was first registered for use in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2003.

Mode of Action[edit | edit source]

Clothianidin, like other neonicotinoids, is a systemic insecticide that acts as an insect neurotoxin. It interferes with the transmission of stimuli in the insect nervous system by acting on a specific receptor (the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor) in the insect's nervous system, leading to paralysis and death.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Clothianidin is used for seed treatment, soil treatment, and foliar treatment on a variety of crops including but not limited to: canola, cereal grains, corn, and potatoes. It is also used on turf and ornamentals.

Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]

Clothianidin has been found to be highly toxic to honey bees, and its use has been linked to increased bee colony collapse. It is also toxic to birds and aquatic invertebrates.

Health Effects[edit | edit source]

Exposure to clothianidin can cause a variety of health effects in humans, including skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and effects on the nervous system.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

In the United States, clothianidin is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. In the European Union, the use of clothianidin was banned for two years starting in December 2013 due to concerns about its impact on bee health.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Clothianidin Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD