Semiochemicals of stored-product insects: Research and applications

Abstract

Development of semiochemical-based pest management systems in stored-products is being necessitated by the loss of traditional residual and fumigant pesticides. This review article evaluates our current state of knowledge and practice with semiochemicals for storage pests, it summarizes methods used for isolation and identification of semiochemicals, and it elaborates possible future research trends and applications. Pheromones are known from over 35 species of stored-product insects. The most successful applications of these compounds are as attractants in traps for detecting and monitoring pests in storage facilities. Recent research has focused on improving trapping technology by the discovery of additional pheromones, incorporation of food odor synergists, developing better slow-release formulations, and improving trap design. Direct control of storage pests with pheromones can be approached with the attracticide and mating disruption methods. Both techniques utilize synthetic female sex pheromones to prevent males from reproducing. Recent research is investigating attractants for female moths. Semiochemicals to manipulate female behavior will provide new tools for many different pest management approaches. Semiochemicals may be available to manipulate the behavior of beneficial natural enemies of storage pests. Host-finding efficiency of natural enemies in biological control programs could be improved with the use of kairomones in mass-rearing or release protocols. The role of semiochemicals in stored-product pest management is increasing as more biorational methods are employed.