Bioactivation of aryl heterocyclic amine molecules leads to increased potency in certain Lepidopteran pests

Balanced selectivity and activity spectrum are key attributes for pesticides. Metabolism of pesticides in target species can play an important role relating to these attributes. We demonstrated promising potency of the aryl heterocyclic amine (AHA) area of chemistry against several Lepidopteran pests. However, some lead AHA molecules displayed very narrow activity spectrum. Presented here the studies of the metabolism of these molecules in selected species revealed that bioactivation was critical for potent insecticidal activity. Thus, the differential metabolism of AHAs by the tested Lepidopteran species may contribute to varied levels of potency observed in these species.