Dicationic ionic liquids as new feeding deterrents

The use of synthetic insecticides for stored-product protection from pests has led to problems such as disturbances of the environment, insect resistance to pesticides and lethal effects on non-target organisms (Geng et al. 2011 ). It is necessary to develop safe and cheap methods for fighting harmful insects and searching for new active compounds, especially of a natural origin. Substances that deter or inhibit insect feeding are called food deterrents or antifeedants (Isman 2002 ). Due to their specific properties, insect antifeedants are environmentally friendly crop protection agents. Antifeedants are allomone substances that mainly inhibit feeding on stored products, limit the potential of pest development and do not kill them directly (Lozowicka and Kaczyński 2013 ). A key characteristic of these compounds is selective action. Antifeedants exhibit activity against parasites and do not cause any negative effects for useful insects such as pest predators or pollinators (Pavela 2010 ). In addition, the use of deterrents may limit the application of toxic insecticides and reduces the risk of contamination of food with dangerous compounds.