New developments in chemical ecology and insect pest management

Abstract

Recent advances in insect chemical ecology have opened new frontiers for insect pest management using semiochemicals (behaviour modifying chemicals). The use of pheromones (especially sex attractants) is becoming widespread but is limited because these chemicals usually affect only males. Recent behavioural and electrophysiological research indicates great promise for the use of plant volatiles in attract-and-kill systems for female insects, as well as manipulation of trap and suicide crops, and the behaviour of natural enemies. In this talk I will explore these prospects, particularly in relation to the development of integrated pest management systems intended to reduce the dependence on conventional pesticides in the Australia cotton industry.