Abstract

Weatherston, Ian. 1981. The growing role of pheromones: from indicator to control method. Weeds, Trees & Turf 20(5): 28, 30.

Increased ecological awareness by the public has encouraged the commercial development of alternatives to some chemical toxins as a means of controlling insect pest species. Among the alternatives which show promise are sex pheromones. Pheromones were categorized according to their function, leading to “trail pheromones,” “aggregation pheromones,” “alarm pheromones,” “territoriality pheromones,” and “sex pheromones.” The first sex pheromone was identified in 1959, and today pheromones or attractants are known for more than 350 species of Lepidoptera. For monitoring, the pheromone system is composed of a trap and a lure. Information obtained is (a) presence of specific pests, (b) population density (although this is a very complex question), and (c) the determination of peak emergence on which to base a subsequent treatment. Pheromones are classified as biorational pesticides and as such, when used for insect control, must be registered by the Environmntal Protection Agency. For strictly monitoring purposes registration is not required.

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