Synthesis and application of insect attractants in Vietnam

Abstract

Detrimental effects of synthetic pesticides on health, environment and organisms have necessitated the exploration of alternative strategies for insect control. The insect attractants represent an important link within these systems. In Vietnam, since 1970, methyleugenol and its analogues have been synthesized for mass trapping of the fruitfly Daccus dorsalis Hendel. This chemical reduced the damage on the oranges of many plantations in our country. In the period 1978–1980, for the first time some selected types of pheromones were tested. The trials verified and provided evidence of the occurrence of six species of moth in southeast Vietnam: Archips micaceanus, Archips seminubilus, Cadra caustella, Spodoptera exigua, Chysodeixis eriosoma and Parapoynx sp. The last decade has seen intense activity in the elaboration and application of some complex systems of fighting plant pests. Pheromones of moth and weevils have been prepared in the Institute of Agrochemistry and the Institute of Tropical Biology NCST: Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn, Heliothis armigera Hbn, Plutella xylostella Curt, Adoxophyes sp., Lyonetia clerckella, Trogoderma granarium, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, Diabrotica undecimpunctata, Blattela germanica, Diprion, Neodiprion, Scolytus multistriatus, Scolytus scolytus, Lasioderma sericorne, Tribolium cofusum. Some synthetic aspects of these pheromones are described. The use of pheromone traps for monitoring and mass trapping the Scolytus multistriatus, Tribolium confusum, Plutella xylostella Curt, Heliothis armigera Hbn, Cylas formicarius elegantulus will be discussed.