Peptides from Spider Venoms: A Natural Source of Bioinsecticides

摘要

With the increasing global population and decreasing available arable land, there is a burden heavier than ever before on our ability to provide safe, nutritious and sustainable food. Therefore the control of insects, weeds and pathogens that harm agricultural production remains essential. Arthropods and insects in particular damage $470 billion-worth of global crop production per year. Annual crop yield lost to insects, currently 18-26% worldwide, is expected to increase in a warming climate. Not only do arthropods threaten food production, they can also act as vectors transmitting deadly diseases. The control of arthropod pests in both the agricultural and public health sector relies primarily on the application of chemical insecticides. Repeated use of commercial products has led to the development and global expansion of pest resistance. Furthermore, there is growing public concern about the potential environmental and long-term human health impacts of certain agrochemicals.