Properties, toxicity and current applications of the biolarvicide spinosad

Characterized as a highly valuable bioactive natural product, spinosad is a pesticide with a complex chemical structure, composed of spinosyn A and D, molecules synthesized by the actinomycete Saccharopolyspora spinosa. The larvicidal activity of spinosad was postulated to be a promising approach to combat crop pests and control species responsible to transmit mosquito-borne illness, including Aedes aegypti. Although initially deemed as relatively safe for non-target organisms and highly effective against insects and crop pests, recent studies focused on the toxicity profile detected the occurrence of side effects in different living species. Thus, the present review was undertaken to describe the properties and characteristics of spinosad. In addition to indicating potential adverse effects on living organisms, alternative uses of the biopesticide as a mixture with different compounds are provided.