Juvenile hormone: Production, regulation, current application in vector control and its future applications

Juvenile hormone is an exclusive hormone found in insects which involves regulating various insect physiology. A total of eight juvenile hormones have been identified in insects which include JH 0, JH I, JH II, JH III, 4-methyl JH I (Iso- JH 0), JHB III, JHSB III, and MF. Corpora allata are the glands responsible for the production and synthesis of these hormones. They are involved in moulting, reproduction, polyethism, and behavioural regulations in different orders of insects. Factors such as diet temperatures, photoperiods, and plant compounds affect the biosynthesis and regulation of juvenile hormones. Juvenile hormones analogue is usually used to disrupt normal regulation of JH and this analogue is categorized as insect-growth regulators (IGRs) and is widely used in pest control as an alternative to chemical insecticides. Other applications of biosynthesis activities of this hormone have not been explored in the area of JHs. In this review, current applications of JHs with an addition of their future application will be discussed.

Automated summary

Juvenile hormone is a unique hormone found exclusively in insects, involved in regulating insect physiology. There are eight different types of juvenile hormones identified in insects, with Corpora allata responsible for their production and synthesis. Factors like diet temperatures, photoperiods, and plant compounds affect the biosynthesis and regulation of juvenile hormones. The use of juvenile hormone analogues as insect-growth regulators in pest control is widespread, but other potential applications remain unexplored.