Biostable and PEG polymer-conjugated insect pyrokinin analogs demonstrate antifeedant activity and induce high mortality in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphidae)

► Biostable insect pyrokinin analogs with Oic show potent oral antifeedant and aphicidal activity. ► A PEG-polymer conjugated pyrokinin analog shows potent oral antifeedant and aphicidal activity. ► Unmodified, native aphid pyrokinins are inactive. ► Aphicidal activity is blocked by a PK antagonist, suggesting activity is mediated by a PK receptor. ► The pyrokinin analogs represent leads in the development of novel aphid pest control agents.