ARS | Publication request: SEMIOCHEMICALS IN PEST AND WEED CONTROL: AN INTRODUCTION

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Monograph Series
Publication Type: Monograph
Publication Acceptance Date: February 19, 2005
Publication Date: June 30, 2005
Citation: Petroski, R.J., Tellez, M.R., Behle, R.W. 2005. Semiochemicals in pest and weed control: An introduction. American Chemical Society Monograph Series 906. American Chemical Society. Washington, DC. p.1-173.

Technical Abstract: There is a growing concern about the effects of pest and weed control measures on the environment. The use of semiochemicals (natural substances used for communication, such as insect pheromones) has enabled more precise and benign pest control and an ability to monitor dispersal of safe biological control agents (beneficial insects) from a source point. This book chapter provides an overview for subsequent book chapters that detail the isolation, identification, synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and mode of action of semiochemicals and of other natural products as well as biocontrol agents as they apply to the control of agricultural pests and invasive weeds. Successful product development begins with understanding the application environment and continues through formulation, efficacy, data analysis, and finally marketing.