Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) Mode of Action Classification – 2020 Published
About IRAC: The global authority on Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) – a strategy for Sustainable Agriculture and improved Public Health.
1.1. The IRAC Classification Table – 2020
IRAC MoA Classification Version 9.4, March 2020 | ![]() | ![]() |
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See section 7.4 for further information on sub-groups. | |||
See section 7.3 for criteria for descriptors of the quality of MoA information. | |||
Main Group and Primary Site of Action | Sub-group or exemplifying Active Ingredient | Active Ingredients | |
1 Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors Nerve action action at this protein is responsible for insecticidal effects} | 1A Carbamates | Alanycarb, Aldicarb, Bendiocarb, Benfuracarb, Butocarboxim, Butoxycarboxim, Carbaryl, Carbofuran, Carbosulfan, Ethiofencarb, Fenobucarb, Formetanate, Furathiocarb, Isoprocarb, Methiocarb, Methomyl, Metolcarb, Oxamyl, Pirimicarb, Propoxur, Thiodicarb, Thiofanox, Triazamate,Trimethacarb, XMC, Xylylcarb | |
1B Organophosphates | Acephate, Azamethiphos, Azinphos-ethyl, Azinphos- methyl, Cadusafos, Chlorethoxyfos, Chlorfenvinphos, Chlormephos, Chlorpyrifos, Chlorpyrifos-methyl, Coumaphos, Cyanophos, Demeton-S-methyl, Diazinon, Dichlorvos/ DDVP, Dicrotophos, Dimethoate, Dimethylvinphos, Disulfoton, EPN, Ethion, Ethoprophos, Famphur, Fenamiphos, Fenitrothion, Fenthion, Fosthiazate, Heptenophos, Imicyafos, Isofenphos, Isopropyl O- (methoxyaminothio-phosphoryl) salicylate, Isoxathion, Malathion, Mecarbam, Methamidophos, Methidathion, Mevinphos, Monocrotophos, Naled, Omethoate, Oxydemeton-methyl, Parathion, Parathion-methyl, Phenthoate, Phorate, Phosalone, Phosmet, Phosphamidon, Phoxim, Pirimiphos- methyl, Profenofos, Propetamphos, Prothiofos, Pyraclofos, Pyridaphenthion, Quinalphos, Sulfotep, Tebupirimfos, Temephos, Terbufos, Tetrachlorvinphos, Thiometon, Triazophos, Trichlorfon, Vamidothion | ||
2 GABA-gated chloride channel blockers Nerve action {Strong evidence that action at this protein is responsible for insecticidal effects} | 2A Cyclodiene Organochlorines | Chlordane, Endosulfan | |
2B Phenylpyrazoles (Fiproles) | Ethiprole, Fipronil | ||
3 Sodium channel modulators Nerve action {Strong evidence that action at this protein is responsible for insecticidal effects} | 3A Pyrethroids Pyrethrins | Acrinathrin, Allethrin, d-cis-trans Allethrin, d-trans Allethrin, Bifenthrin, Bioallethrin, Bioallethrin S- cyclopentenyl isomer , Bioresmethrin, Cycloprothrin, Cyfluthrin, beta-Cyfluthrin, Cyhalothrin, lambda- Cyhalothrin, gamma-Cyhalothrin, Cypermethrin, alpha-Cypermethrin, beta-Cypermethrin, theta- cypermethrin, zeta-Cypermethrin, Cyphenothrin , (1R)-trans- isomers], Deltamethrin, Empenthrin (EZ)- (1R)- isomers], Esfenvalerate, Etofenprox, Fenpropathrin, Fenvalerate, Flucythrinate, Flumethrin, tau-Fluvalinate, Halfenprox, Imiprothrin, Kadethrin, Permethrin, Phenothrin [(1R)-trans- isomer], Prallethrin, Pyrethrins (pyrethrum), Resmethrin, Silafluofen, Tefluthrin, Tetramethrin, Tetramethrin [(1R)-isomers], Tralomethrin, Transfluthrin, | |
3B DDT Methoxychlor | DDT Methoxychlor | ||
4 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulators Nerve action {Strong evidence that action at one or more of this class of protein is responsible for insecticidal effects} | 4A Neonicotinoids | Acetamiprid, Clothianidin, Dinotefuran, Imidacloprid, Nitenpyram, Thiacloprid, Thiamethoxam, | |
4B Nicotine | Nicotine | ||
4C Sulfoximines | Sulfoxaflor | ||
4D Butenolides | Flupyradifurone | ||
4E Mesoionics | Triflumezopyrim | ||
5 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric modulators – Site I Nerve action {Strong evidence that action at one or more of this class of protein is responsible for insecticidal effects} | Spinosyns | Spinetoram, Spinosad | |
6 Glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) allosteric modulators Nerve and muscle action {Strong evidence that action at one or more of this class of protein is responsible for insecticidal effects} | Avermectins, Milbemycins | Abamectin, Emamectin benzoate, Lepimectin, Milbemectin | |
7 Juvenile hormone mimics Growth regulation {Target protein responsible for biological activity is unknown, or uncharacterized} | 7A Juvenile hormone analogues | Hydroprene, Kinoprene, Methoprene | |
7B Fenoxycarb | Fenoxycarb | ||
7C Pyriproxyfen | Pyriproxyfen | ||
8 * Miscellaneous non- specific (multi-site) inhibitors | 8A Alkyl halides | Methyl bromide and other alkyl halides | |
8B Chloropicrin | Chloropicrin | ||
8C Fluorides | Cryolite (Sodium aluminum fluoride), Sulfuryl fluoride | ||
8D Borates | Borax, Boric acid, Disodium octaborate, Sodium borate, Sodium metaborate | ||
8E Tartar emetic | Tartar emetic | ||
8F Methyl isothiocyanate generators | Dazomet, Metam | ||
9 Chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulators Nerve action {Strong evidence that action at one or more of this class of proteins is responsible for insecticidal effects } | 9B Pyridine azomethine derivatives | Pymetrozine, Pyrifluquinazon | |
9D Pyropenes | Afidopyropen | ||
10 Mite growth inhibitors affecting CHS1 Growth regulation {Strong evidence that action at one or more of this class of proteins is responsible for insecticidal effects } | 10A Clofentezine Diflovidazin Hexythiazox | Clofentezine, Diflovidazin, Hexythiazox | |
10B Etoxazole | Etoxazole | ||
11 Microbial disruptors of insect midgut membranes (includes transgenic crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis toxins, however specific guidance for resistance management of transgenic crops is not based on rotation of modes of action) | 11A Bacillus thuringiensis and the insecticidal proteins they produce | Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis B.t. crop proteins: (* Please see footnote) Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1Fa, Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab, Vip3A, mCry3A, Cry3Ab, Cry3Bb, Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 | |
11B Bacillus sphaericus | Bacillus sphaericus | ||
12 Inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase Energy metabolism {Compounds affect the function of this protein, but it is not clear that this is what leads to biological activity} | 12A Diafenthiuron | Diafenthiuron | |
12B Organotin miticides | Azocyclotin, Cyhexatin, Fenbutatin oxide | ||
12C Propargite | Propargite | ||
12D Tetradifon | Tetradifon | ||
13 * Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via disruption of the proton gradient Energy metabolism | Pyrroles Dinitrophenols Sulfluramid | Chlorfenapyr DNOC Sulfluramid | |
14 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel blockers Nerve action {Compounds affect the function of this protein, but it is not clear that this is what leads to biological activity} | Nereistoxin analogues | Bensultap, Cartap hydrochloride, Thiocyclam, Thiosultap-sodium | |
15 Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis affecting CHS1 Growth regulation {Strong evidence that action at one or more of this class of proteins is responsible for insecticidal effects } | Benzoylureas | Bistrifluron, Chlorfluazuron, Diflubenzuron, Flucycloxuron, Flufenoxuron, Hexaflumuron, Lufenuron, Novaluron, Noviflumuron, Teflubenzuron, Triflumuron | |
16 Inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis, type 1 Growth regulation {Target protein responsible for biological activity is unknown, or uncharacterized} | Buprofezin | Buprofezin | |
17 Moulting disruptors, Dipteran Growth regulation {Target protein responsible for biological activity is unknown, or uncharacterized} | Cyromazine | Cyromazine | |
18 Ecdysone receptor agonists Growth regulation {Strong evidence that action at this protein is responsible for insecticidal effects} | Diacylhydrazines | Chromafenozide, Halofenozide, Methoxyfenozide, Tebufenozide | |
19 Octopamine receptor agonists Amitraz Amitraz Nerve action {Good evidence that action at one or more of this class of protein is responsible for insecticidal effects} | Amitraz | Amitraz | |
20 Mitochondrial complex III electron transport inhibitors Energy metabolism {Good evidence that action at this protein complex is responsible for insecticidal effects} | 20A Hydramethylnon | Hydramethylnon | |
20B Acequinocyl | Acequinocyl | ||
20C Fluacrypyrim | Fluacrypyrim | ||
20D Bifenazate | Bifenazate | ||
21 Mitochondrial complex I electron transport inhibitors Energy metabolism {Good evidence that action at this protein complex is responsible for insecticidal effects} | 21A METI acaricides and insecticides | Fenazaquin, Fenpyroximate, Pyridaben, Pyrimidifen, Tebufenpyrad, Tolfenpyrad | |
21B Rotenone | Rotenone (Derris) | ||
22 Voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers Nerve action {Good evidence that action at this protein complex is responsible for insecticidal effects} | 22A Oxadiazines | Indoxacarb | |
22B Semicarbazones | Metaflumizone | ||
23 Inhibitors of acetyl CoA carboxylase Lipid synthesis, growth regulation {Good evidence that action at this protein is responsible for insecticidal effects} | Tetronic and Tetramic acid derivatives | Spirodiclofen, Spiromesifen, Spiropidion, Spirotetramat | |
24 Mitochondrial complex IV electron transport inhibitors Energy metabolism {Good evidence that action at this protein complex is responsible for insecticidal effects} | 24A Phosphides | Aluminium phosphide, Calcium phosphide, Phosphine, Zinc phosphide | |
24B Cyanides | Calcium cyanide, Potassium cyanide, Sodium cyanide | ||
25 Mitochondrial complex II electron transport inhibitors Energy metabolism {Good evidence that action at this protein complex is responsible for insecticidal effects} | 25A Beta-ketonitrile derivatives | Cyenopyrafen, Cyflumetofen | |
25B Carboxanilides | Pyflubumide | ||
28 Ryanodine receptor modulators Nerve and muscle action {Strong evidence that action at this protein complex is responsible for insecticidal effects} | Diamides | Chlorantraniliprole, Cyantraniliprole, Cyclaniliprole Flubendiamide, Tetraniliprole | |
29 Chordotonal organ Modulators - undefined target site Nerve action (Modulation of chordotonal organ function has been clearly demonstrated, but the specific target protein(s) responsible for biological activity are distinct from Group 9 and remain undefined.) | Flonicamid | Flonicamid | |
30 GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulators Nerve action {Strong evidence that action at this protein complex is responsible for insecticidal effects} | Meta-diamides Isoxazolines | Broflanilide Fluxametamide | |
31 Baculoviruses Host-specific occluded pathogenic viruses (Midgut epithelial columnar cell membrane target site – undefined ) | Granuloviruses (GVs) Nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) | Cydia pomonella GV Thaumatotibia leucotreta GV Anticarsia gemmatalis MNPV Helicoverpa armigera NPV | |
32Nicotinic AcetylcholineReceptor (nAChR)Allosteric Modulators -Site IINerve action{Strong evidence thataction at one or more ofthis class of protein isresponsible forinsecticidal effects} | GS-omega/kappa HXTX-Hv1a peptide | GS-omega/kappa HXTX-Hv1a peptide | |
UN*;Compounds of;unknown or uncertain;MoA;;{Target protein;responsible for biological;activity is unknown, or;uncharacterized} | Azadirachtin | Azadirachtin | |
Benzoximate | Benzoximate | ||
Bromopropylate | Bromopropylate | ||
Chinomethionat | Chinomethionat | ||
Dicofol | Dicofol | ||
Lime sulfur | Lime sulfur | ||
Mancozeb | Mancozeb | ||
Pyridalyl | Pyridalyl | ||
Sulfur | Sulfur | ||
UNB*;Bacterial agents (non- Bt) of unknown or uncertain MoA;;{Target protein;responsible for biological;activity is unknown or;uncharacterized} | Burkholderia spp;Wolbachia pipientis (Zap) | ||
UNE* Botanical essence including synthetic, extracts and unrefined oils with unknown or uncertain MoA {Target protein responsible for biological activity is unknown, or uncharacterized} | Chenopodium ambrosioides near ambrosioides extract Fatty acid monoesters with glycerol or propanediol Neem oil | ||
UNF* Fungal agents of unknown or uncertain MoA {Target protein responsible for biological activity is unknown, or uncharacterized} | Beauveria bassiana strains Metarhizium anisopliae strain F52 Paecilomyces fumosoroseus Apopka strain 97 | ||
UNM* Non-specific mechanical disruptors {Target protein responsible for biological activity is unknown, or uncharacterized} | Diatomaceous earth | ||
UNP* Peptides of unknown or uncertain MoA {Target protein responsible for biological activity is unknown, or uncharacterized} | |||
UNV* Viral agents (non- baculovirus) of unknown or uncertain MoA {Target protein responsible for biological activity is unknown, or uncharacterized} | |||
![]() | ChemRobotics (Agrochemical / Pesticide Database) |
Table Notes:
- The color scheme used here associates modes of action into broad categories based on the physiological functions affected, as an aid to understanding symptomology, speed of action and other properties of the insecticides, and not for any resistance management purpose. Rotations for resistance management should be based only on the numbered mode of action
- Inclusion of an insecticidal agent in the classification above does not necessarily signify regulatorily
- MoA assignments will usually involve identification of the target protein responsible for the biological effect, although groupings can be made where insecticidal agents share distinctive physiological effects and are structurally
- Groups 26 and 27 are unassigned at this time and have therefore been omitted from the
- An insecticidal agent with an unknown or controversial MoA or an unknown mode of toxicity will be held in group ‘UN’ or ‘UNB’, ‘UNE’, ‘UNF’, ‘UNM’, ‘UNP’, UNV as applicable until the evidence becomes available to enable the assignment to a more appropriate MoA
- Actives in groups marked with an asterisk are thought not to share a common target site and therefore may be freely rotated with each other unless there is reason to expect cross-resistance. These groups are 8, 13, UN, UNB, UNE, UNF, UNM, UNP and
- Different baculoviruses that target different insect orders may be used together without compromising their resistance management. Rotation between certain specific baculoviruses may provide resistance management benefits for some pests. Consult product-specific
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