Semiochemical-Based Management of the Pea Leaf Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

The pea leaf weevil, Sitona lineatus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an important pest of pulse crops around the world. Adult pea leaf weevils rely on intra- and interspecific chemical cues to orient within their environment for the purposes of finding food and mates. Early research to identify semiochemical cues used by pea leaf weevils has permitted the development of semiochemical-baited traps that can reliably detect local movements and geographic range expansion of this species even at low population densities. More research is required to realize the potential of semiochemical-based management of the pea leaf weevil.The goals of this review are to: 1) introduce the chemical ecology of the pea leaf weevil and other Sitona species; 2) review the research conducted on semiochemical-based management of the pea leaf weevil in different growing regions; and 3) evaluate important areas of future research in both basic and applied chemical ecology of this pest.