Adoption of pheromones in insect pest management

Abstract

Pheromones are chemical substances that mediate communication between individuals of the same species. They are important tool for insect pest monitoring and may have a role in IPM. However, to date, pheromones and other behaviour-modifying chemicals have been adopted only to a limited extend. One reason for this is the relatively recent development of pheromones to the stage offering acceptable control and monitoring techniques. Nevertheless, progress has been made in pheromone technology and also it is important to consider the social and economic issues which may influence the use of pheromones. The characteristics of farming systems are considered in relation to the use of behaviour-modifying chemicals in IPM. Examples and possibilities of commercial use of pheromones are presented and discussed, in England and Brazil.