Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #80716
Title: UNDERSTANDING SEMIOCHEMICALS WITH EMPHASIS ON INSECT SEX PHEROMONES IN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Author
item Flint, Hollis
item DOANE, CHARLES - COMMERCIAL

Submitted to: World Wide Web
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: This review paper provides several examples how pheromones are used to control insects. A pheromone is a chemical released by one member of a species that effects another member of the same species. Insects are unable to communicate with each other when large amounts of the communicating chemicals are released into their environment. These insects become confused and may be unable to locate each other for reproduction. Pheromones are non-toxic and specific to the target insect. By combining pheromones with cultural control pactices and toxic insecticides only as needed, an integrated control program can reduce the use of toxic insecticides. Examples of the use of pheromone in control programs for several pest insects are discussed.

Technical Abstract: We review the use of insect sex pheromones in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Pheromones are released by one member of a species to cause a specific interaction with another member of the same species. Most uses of pheromone for insect control involve the attraction of one sex, usually the male, to a trap or the release of pheromones in the field to confuse insects. Confusion results when a male insect either cannot locate a female because her pheromone plume is lost in ambient pheromone or the male's antennal receptors become overwhelmed in the presence of excessive pheromone. The use of pheromones in IPM programs for boll weevil, pink bollworm, spruce bark beetle, codling moth, tomato pinworm, and European corn barer are discussed. Emphasis on pheromones in pest management will increase as restrictions on conventional insecticides increase.