Natural Pest Management Research Articles

Organic Farming for Residue-Free Production

Organic farming has emerged as a sustainable agricultural practice aimed at producing food without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This approach promotes biodiversity, soil health, and environmental sustainability while ensuring residue-free food production. The key principles of organic farming include crop rotation, composting, natural pest management, and the use of organic inputs such as manure and biological controls. These practices not only enhance soil fertility and biodiversity but also contribute to mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon in soils. Residue-free production in organic farming is achieved through rigorous adherence to organic standards and certification processes. Organic certification ensures that farmers comply with strict regulations regarding inputs, practices, and traceability throughout the production chain. Consumers increasingly prefer organic products due to concerns about chemical residues in food and their potential impact on health. Organic farming promotes transparency and consumer trust by offering products that are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. The global market for organic products continues to expand, driven by growing consumer awareness and demand for healthier and environmentally friendly food options. Organic farming presents opportunities for farmers to access premium markets, improve farm profitability, and contribute to sustainable agriculture. However, challenges such as certification costs, market access barriers, and competition with conventional agriculture remain significant. Future research and development in organic farming are crucial to addressing these challenges and enhancing the scalability and efficiency of residue-free production. Innovations in organic pest management, soil health management, and sustainable agriculture practices will further support the growth of organic farming worldwide. Overall, organic farming stands as a promising solution for residue-free food production, promoting human health, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development in agriculture.

A Comprehensive Review on Harvesting Abundance: Exploring the Tools and Techniques of Zero Budget Natural Farming

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is an innovative and sustainable agricultural paradigm that redefines conventional farming practices. Pioneered by Subhash Palekar, ZBNF promotes a harmonious coexistence with nature by minimizing external inputs and eliminating the use of synthetic chemicals. The approach is rooted in indigenous wisdom, emphasizing the use of locally available resources and traditional farming techniques. Through the judicious application of inputs such as Jeevamrut and Bijamrita, ZBNF aims to enhance soil fertility and plant resilience. ZBNF advocates crop diversification, cover cropping, and agroforestry, fostering biodiversity and mitigating the risks associated with monoculture. The method encourages farmers to adopt natural pest management strategies, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. One of the distinctive features is its "zero budget" approach, wherein farmers aim to meet their agricultural needs without incurring additional costs. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern ecological principles, ZBNF stands as a promising model for sustainable and regenerative agriculture, addressing global concerns about environmental impact and food security.

Phytochemical Investigation of High Potential Medicinal Plants for Friendly Insect Pest Management at Heramosh, District Gilgit

The exploration of medicinal plants in Gilgit-Baltistan for pest and insect control emerges as a promising strategy for natural pest management. The research was focused on three specific plant species-Swertia cordata, Gentiana tianschanica, and Pleurospermum candollei-highlighting their efficacy in pest control and the conservation of biodiversity in the region. These plants boast a rich array of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, and proteins, contributing to their pest-controlling attributes. The phytochemical investigation involved the collection of fresh plants from diverse locations, followed by air-drying and extracting plant samples for analysis. Qualitative tests on the crude extracts aimed to discern the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, and carbohydrates. The results of the preliminary phytochemical analysis affirmed the presence of various secondary metabolites in all three plant species. Additionally, the research delved into the antioxidant potential of these plants, employing DPPH free radical scavenging assays. The extracts from different solvents of each plant species exhibited noteworthy antioxidant activity, suggesting their role as natural antioxidants. The research explores the multifaceted bioactive properties of the identified secondary metabolites, highlighting their significance in fortifying plant defense mechanisms. Alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, saponins, amino acids, and carbohydrates collectively contribute to the overall health benefits of these plants, potentially aiding in insect control and disease prevention. The study concluded by underscoring the imperative for further research to comprehensively grasp the specific uses, concentrations, and properties of these compounds for effective pest and disease control. In essence, the findings underscore the importance of harnessing medicinal plants for pest management, considering their reduced environmental impact in contrast to synthetic pesticides. The research provides valuable insights into the potential of natural compounds derived from medicinal plants, offering a sustainable approach to agricultural practices and the preservation of ecosystems.

Novel Diterpenoids Incorporating Rearranged Labdanes from the Chinese Liverwort Anastrophyllum joergensenii and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity.

Liverworts provide valuable ecological services to improve the sustainability of agriculture, encompassing soil health maintenance and natural pest management. Some liverworts have potential applications in medicine and as food additives. Twenty-two novel diterpenoids (anajoerins A-V), of which anajoerins B-G are rearranged labdanes featuring an unprecedented 6/5 fused ring system, were isolated from the Chinese liverwort Anastrophyllum joergensenii Schiffn. The absolute configurations of all compounds were identified based on high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy data, NMR spectra, and ECD calculations. Plausible biogenetic pathways for unprecedented rearranged labdanes were proposed. Seven diterpenoids exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by reducing nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages in a dose-dependent manner with IC50s between 9.71 and 56.56 μM. All tested compounds showed no cytotoxicity at the tested concentrations. Western blot analyses of NF-κB p65 downregulation showed that anajoerin L could inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, anajoerin L also suppressed the secretion of the ConA-induced proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6.

Cultivar-specific responses of tomato essential oils to tomato red spider mite (Tetranychus evansi): Implications for pest management

Background: The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a widely cultivated and nutritionally valuable plant species, known for its culinary and health benefits. However, tomato crops are susceptible to various pests, including the tomato red spider mite (Tetranychus evansi), which can cause substantial yield losses. Essential oils from plants have shown potential as natural alternatives for pest management. Methods: This study investigated the interaction between essential oils from seven different tomato accessions namely; 1 (money maker), 13 (marglobe), 51 (PI 134417), 162 (JKUAT 22/202183), 182 (JKUAT 19), 428 (LA 2185) and 460 (LO 3279) and T. evansi. The aim was to understand the role of essential oils in shaping mite behavior. Essential oils were extracted from these diverse tomato accessions using steam distillation. The response of spider mites to these essential oils was assessed using Y-tube olfactometer and glass slide bioassays. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to analyze the composition of volatile compounds released by the essential oils. Results: Spider mite responses to different concentrations of essential oils were not significantly different among accessions. However, specific accessions, such as 51 and 428, elicited negative responses across concentrations. Analysis of volatile compounds revealed qualitative and quantitative variations in essential oil composition among accessions. Compounds like 2-tridecanone, 2-undecanone, β-caryophyllene, and α-humulene exhibited distinct abundance patterns across accessions. Conclusions: The study provides insights into the complex interaction between tomato essential oils and spider mite behavior. While concentrations of essential oils did not strongly influence mite responses, the unique composition of essential oils in different accessions played a crucial role. These findings suggest the potential for selective breeding of tomato varieties with specific essential oil profiles to enhance resistance to spider mites. The research contributes to our understanding of natural pest management strategies and underscores the importance of phytochemical diversity in shaping arthropod behavior.

Relationships between Volatile Organic Compounds Released by Wheat Plants Following Artificial Stress and Their Potential Influence on Natural Pest Management

There is an urgent need to establish new agro-technical practices that require the delivery of effective, natural, ecological, and verified solutions. The evaluation of possible applications in the field of cropping and farming in recent years has resulted in numerous products and approaches, which may potentially reduce our dependence on artificial pesticides. A major requirement to help establish these new agro-technical practices is to determine their efficiency. Here we present a study that investigates the relationship between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by Triticum sp. plants under two artificial stress conditions. We discuss their effectiveness in natural pest management and for use in monitoring crop health. Two varieties of spring wheat, “Kandela” and “Serenada”, were exposed to either mechanical (deliberate) wounding, to imitate the stress caused by insect attack, or exposure to methyl jasmonate, a defence volatile used by plants. Both stress factors caused an increased release of green leaf volatiles (C6 aldehydes and alcohols) and other volatile compounds, such as (E)-β-ocimene, linalool, β-caryophyllene, and (E)-β-farnesene. VOC emission rates are reported at three time points (24, 48, and 72 h) following a stress factor. Correlation coefficients between the emitted plant’s VOCs indicate the potential of monitoring just one single compound from the combination of volatiles emitted by plants to predict the overall condition of a crop. This has major implications for the development of a chemically specific and fieldable analytical sensor that could be used to provide an array of volatile monitoring stations delivering information continuously and in real-time. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the volatiles released by damaged spring wheat for pest management by exposing a shield bug (Bishop’s Mitre (Aelia acuminata L.), Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), to them.

Assessment of pests, natural enemies and soil microorganisms in lowland rice field under organic and inorganic production systems

Abstract. Dela Peña WB, Ratilla BC. 2022. Assessment of pests, natural enemies and soil microorganisms in lowland rice field under organic and inorganic production systems. Asian J Agric 6: 40-46. Farmers readily use synthetic pesticides over organic and natural pest management strategies in controlling pests that may disrupt the ecological balance. This study was conducted to assess the population of insect pests, natural enemies, and soil microorganisms associated with lowland rice PSB Rc18 grown under different production systems. A lowland area at the Department of Agronomy, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte, devoted to organic rice production for four consecutive croppings, was used. Results revealed that organic farmers’ practice in Leyte (T2) showed a higher population of natural enemies, especially mirid bugs, and fewer brown planthoppers, green leafhoppers at 14-44 DAT; and the number of folded leaves observed. However, conventional farmers’ practice in Leyte (T3) had the highest incidence and severity of bacterial blight and rice blast. On the other hand, bacterial and fungal microorganisms were found associated with the soil samples. The fungal population increased in both organic production systems compared to the conventional production system. Hence, organic production systems increased the number of beneficial insects and soil microbes’ populations that may, directly and indirectly, affect pests and diseases in lowland rice.

Flower Visitation Time and Number of Visitor Species Are Reduced by the Use of Agrochemicals in Coffee Home Gardens

Pollination services, from both wild and managed populations of insect pollinators, have degraded as a result of agricultural intensification. Whilst 75% of economically important crops depend on insect pollinators for cultivation, 40% of insect pollinator species are threatened with extinction. Pollination services must be preserved if there is to be enough food for a global population whose demand is expected to double, if not triple, by 2050. Pollinator diversity and pollinator efficiency have been found to increase as a result of wildlife-friendly farming practices (i.e., natural chemicals and fertilizers and agroforestry). We evaluated the presence of insect pollinators in 42 coffee home gardens in West Java, Indonesia. Via generalized linear mixed models, we found that number of visitor species (β = 0.418 ± SE 0.194, p = 0.031) and visitation time (β = 0.845 ± SE 0.308, p = 0.006) decreased as farms were more intensely managed, (i.e., used chemical pesticides), compared to fields using organic practices. As knowledge of pollination services is widespread amongst smallholder farmers in Indonesia and beyond due to the long-held tradition of beekeeping, these results will add to their existing knowledge and empower farmers to enhance resources for pollinator species through agroforestry and natural pest management. Although we found significant differences in pollination services provided in intensely managed and wildlife-friendly farms, chemical use can affect farms far beyond a particular area of production. Therefore, pollinator conservation must be applied at a landscape level and involve all stakeholders, including farmers, when making effective policies.

Non-crop habitat management: Promoter of natural enemies of crop pests

Non-crop habitats provide essential resources for natural enemies such as plant-derived food, such as nectar or pollen, shelter, alternative prey, protection from pesticides and other disturbances, and moderate microclimate and hibernation sites. The main aim of habitat management is to offer a favourable ecological infrastructure within the landscape. Different ways of habitat management such as selecting appropriate plant species, understanding behavioural mechanism, maintaining the spatial scale and spatial arrangement with heterogeneity has a positive impact on conservation biological control. Harmful conditions are mitigated or favourable conditions are increased for natural enemies in conservation biological control. In previous days, conservation and biological control were not applied a lot, but it has gotten more attention. Natural pest management can be conducted at different spatial scales like at the landscape scale and at the field scale; natural pest management at the landscape scale through habitat management is focused on in this essay. In agricultural landscapes, non-crop habitats are comprised of hedgerows, field margin, road verges, fallows, meadows and often woody forests. Different agricultural pest species and many natural enemies are associated with these non-crop habitats. The proportion of habitat defines landscape complexity can influence the diversity of animals, plants and microorganisms. Ecosystem services that improve ecosystems through nutrient cycling, water regulation and pest suppression are positively influenced by landscape complexity that can help reduce pest density and crop injury. Habitat management has a higher level of opportunity to maximize multi-functional ecosystem services through a wider scale of landscape management. Therefore, habitat management can be combined into land use types of local, regional, nationwide, and worldwide economic aspects to reduce the dependency of high input based on existing agriculture.

Frontier pest management technologies for sustainable rice production

Although effective management of rice insect-pests can be achieved by insecticides but their excessive long term use poses human health and environmental risks in addition to effect on non-targets organisms. Now-a-days, some pest management practices such as agronomic practices like smart fertilizer and nutrient application, real time monitoring and surveillance, ecological engineering through habitat manipulation, biological control by more effective strain, nanotechnology, host plant resistance by RNAi and marker assisted selection, have been introduced and adopted to manage rice insect pests which are eco-friendly in nature and also promote natural pest management. Here, this article intended to discuss the various frontier pest management technologies which will help for sustainable rice production.

Ecosystem services provided by aculeate wasps.

The aculeate wasps are one of the most diverse and speciose insect taxa; they are omnipresent across ecosystems and exhibit diverse co-evolutionary and exploitative associations with other organisms. There is widespread conjecture that aculeate wasps are likely to perform essential ecological and economic services of importance to the health, well-being and nutritional needs of our planet. However, the scope and nature of the ecosystem services they provide are not well understood relative to other insect groups (e.g. bees, butterflies, beetles); an appreciation of their value is further tarnished by their public reputation as pointless pests. Here, we conduct the first comprehensive review of how aculeate wasps contribute to the four main areas of ecosystem services: regulatory, provisioning, supporting and cultural services. Uniting data from a large but previously disconnected literature on solitary and social aculeate wasps, we provide a synthesis on how these insects perform important ecosystem services as parasites, predators, biological indicators, pollinators, decomposers and seed dispersers; and their additional services as a sustainable alternative to meat for human consumption, and medicinal potential as sources of research leads for anti-microbials and cancer treatments. We highlight how aculeate wasps offer substantial, but largely overlooked, economic benefits through their roles in natural pest management and biological control programs. Accordingly, we provide data-driven arguments for reasons to consider the ecosystem service value of aculeate wasps on a par with other 'useful' insects (e.g. bees). Finally, we provide a research roadmap identifying the key areas of research required to capitalise better on the services provided by these important insects.

Pemanfaatan Lahan Pekarangan Untuk Budidaya Sayuran Organik di Desa Kediri Kabupaten Banyumas

The science and technology application activities are planned to be carried out with the partner of the women farmer group located in Kediri Village, Karanglewas District. The problems faced by partners are not having adequate knowledge about natural pest management and the correct use of organic fertilizers; do not have skills in making and using vegetable pesticides, liquid organic fertilizers, and proper organic vegetable cultivation techniques. The purpose of applying science and technology is to provide knowledge about the functions and ways of using vegetable pesticides and liquid organic fertilizers, improving skills in making and using vegetable pesticides, POC, technical complete package of organic vegetable cultivation. Methods for achieving the goal are socialization and learning by doing, which are complemented by guiding and piloting techniques. The output of the service activities is in the form of articles in dedication journals, and articles on appropriate technology (TTG).

Insecticidal activity of Salvia veneris Hedge. Essential oil against coleopteran stored product insects and Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera)

Salvia species are very well known for their uses as herbal tea as well as insecticidal activity of their essential oils against stored product insects. Due to their use as herbal tea, Salvia species could be considered as perfect candidates to develop safe natural insect management agents. In the scope of the present study, the essential oil of aerial parts of Salvia veneris Hedge was investigated for insecticidal activity against 3rd instar larvae of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera), Sitophilus granarius L., S. oryzae L., Tribolium castaneum Herbst, T. confusum Jacquelin du Val, Rhyzopertha dominica Fabricius and Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. (Coleoptera). The essential oil produced 63.0% contact toxicity against the S. exigua (beet armyworm) 3rd instar larvae at 100μL/mL and concentration. Highest contact toxicity of the oil was observed at 1μL application volume (10% (v/v: oil/acetone)) and 72h duration against O. surinamensis 81.6%, S. oryzae 71.5% and S. granarius 70.0%, respectively. S. veneris oil produced the highest fumigant toxicity at 1μL/mL application volume (10% (v/v: oil/acetone)) and 48h duration against S. oryzae 100.0%, S. granarius 97.6% and O. surinamensis 90.8%, respectively. The essential oil tested on Tribolium species and R. dominica did not produced any fumigant toxicity. The acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinestearase inhibitory activities of the essential oil were 85.9% and 12.2%, respectively. The antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC) of the oil was tested against the pathogens that could be found on stored products namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis. The oil produced very weak activity on all of the tested microorganisms when compared with the positive controls. The essential oil composition was analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and the aerial parts of the S. veneris was characterized by 1,8-cineole 30.4%, camphor 18.4%, camphene 12.9%, α-pinene 8.2%, borneol 5.8% and β-pinene 5.0%. As a conclusion the essential oil of S. veneris produced considerable insecticidal activity against Sitophilus species as well as acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity which points out further attention should be given to Salvia species for the development of safe natural pest management agents.

Synergistic Effects of Agronet Covers and Companion Cropping on Reducing Whitefly Infestation and Improving Yield of Open Field-Grown Tomatoes

Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) are one of the biggest vegetable crops in the world, supplying a wide range of vitamins, minerals and fibre in human diets. In the tropics, tomatoes are predominantly grown under sub-optimal conditions by subsistence farmers, with exposure to biotic and abiotic stresses in the open field. Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) is one of the major pests of the tomato, potentially causing up to 100% yield loss. To control whitefly, most growers indiscriminately use synthetic insecticides which negatively impact the environment, humans, and other natural pest management systems, while also increasing cost of production. This study sought to investigate the effectiveness of agronet covers and companion planting with aromatic basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) as an alternative management strategy for whitefly in tomatoes and to evaluate the use of these treatments ontomato growth and yield. Two trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Training Field, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya. Treatments comprised a combination of two factors, (1) growing environment (agronet and no agronet) and (2) companion planting with a row of basil surrounding tomato plants, a row of basil in between adjacent rows of tomato, no companion planting. Agronet covers and companion cropping with a row of basil planted between adjacent tomato rows significantly lowered B. tabaci infestation in tomatoes by 68.7%. Better tomato yields were also recorded in treatments where the two treatments were used in combination. Higher yield (13.75 t/ha) was obtained from tomatoes grown under agronet cover with a basil row planted in between adjacent rows of the tomato crop compared to 5.9 t/ha in the control. Non-marketable yield was also lowered to5.9 t/ha compared to 9.8 t/ha in the control following the use of the two treatments in combination. The results of this study demonstrate the potential viability of using companion cropping and agronet covers in integrated management of B. tabaci and improvement of tomato yield.

The role of natural products in crop protection

Agricultural production per unit area of cultivated land has increased dramatically over the past 60 years due to several innovations, including the introduction of modern pest management chemicals. A significant number of these synthetic pesticides were inspired by natural compounds. Synthetic alterations of the natural compounds were made to improve pesticide activity, reduce cost, and in some cases to lengthen half-life. However, there is concern over the potential for environmental damage and adverse toxicological effects of many of some of the currently used synthetic pesticides. Natural compounds used as pesticides generally leave a smaller environmental footprint and many are toxicologically benign. Furthermore, the growing area of organic agriculture will only accept natural pest management chemicals. Thus, there is a resurgence of research effort to discover natural pesticide compounds that can be used like synthetic pesticides. The US EPA categorizes such products as biochemical biopesticides. The discovery process for natural pesticides and specific examples of successes in this area will be discussed.

The role of allelopathy in agricultural pest management

Allelopathy is a naturally occurring ecological phenomenon of interference among organisms that may be employed for managing weeds, insect pests and diseases in field crops. In field crops, allelopathy can be used following rotation, using cover crops, mulching and plant extracts for natural pest management. Application of allelopathic plant extracts can effectively control weeds and insect pests. However, mixtures of allelopathic water extracts are more effective than the application of single-plant extract in this regard. Combined application of allelopathic extract and reduced herbicide dose (up to half the standard dose) give as much weed control as the standard herbicide dose in several field crops. Lower doses of herbicides may help to reduce the development of herbicide resistance in weed ecotypes. Allelopathy thus offers an attractive environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides in agricultural pest management. In this review, application of allelopathy for natural pest management, particularly in small-farm intensive agricultural systems, is discussed.

Human and ecosystem health: the environment-agriculture connection in developing countries.

It is posited that farming methods and activities are both affected by and have an impact on local and global environmental ecosystems. This article discusses regional and global trends that affect the environment and the health and survival of rural agricultural populations. Political, social, and environmental factors that "underlie and generate" medical issues are identified for developing countries with large rural populations dependent upon the land for survival. Although food production appears to have kept pace with population growth in macro statistics, 35% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa, 22% of the Asian population, and 22% of developing market economies were estimated to be malnourished in the mid-1980s. The Green Revolution involved the widespread use of chemicals in agriculture that had adverse environmental impacts. The interrelationships between water resources, erosion, pesticides and fertilizers, deforestation, population pressure, and biodiversity, and farmers are individually addressed. It is argued that a new perspective may be necessary in order to preserve agriculture and other ecosystems and human health. A universal formula for environmentally sensitive and productive agriculture is not possible. However, it is likely that some approaches may involve traditional practices, such as crop rotation and natural pest management, combined with the tools of the Green Revolution (pesticides, fertilizers, and intensive irrigation). An increasing number of people are aware that creative and locally rational farming methods are the best option, and that the costs of chemical-intensive farming in developing countries are too high. National policies that promote cultivation of non-food cash crops and favor the land-wealthy elite have serious consequences for the small farmer and national food availability. The World Bank has the greatest potential to guide agricultural reforms that promote protective practices engendered in local controls over resources. The aim is to provide an appropriate mix of programs and policies that support sustainable and profitable agriculture and the production of small farmers.

New directions in semiochemical research1

AbstractThe use of semiochemicals to interfere with insect behavior and manipulate pest populations is still a popular alternative to chemical pesticides for crop protection. But the initial high expectations of pheromones have been tempered by the relatively small number of proven successes in the field. However, despite some early disappointments, recent research is demonstrating the value of strategies that emphasize the integration of semiochemical deployment with other natural pest management tools.The study of plant‐insect relationships is providing chemical bases for host plant finding, acceptance, or rejection as well as suitability for growth and development of the insect. Identified chemical factors may be used to increase the efficacy of more conventional biological control agents and may offer new approaches to the development of resistant plants.New information on the production and perception of semiochemicals is likely to reveal specific targets for interfering with insect behavior. Future progress will depend on continued collaboration between chemists and entomologists, with increasing input from biochemists, electrophysiologists, neurobiologists and behaviorists. Advances in the enzymology of semiochemical production, perception and processing are opening the door to molecular approaches that promise to spearhead a new wave of research to establish the role of semiochemicals in the future of integrated pest management.ZusammenfassungNeue Richtungen in der Erforschung verhaltensmodifizierender DuftstoffeDer Einsatz chemischer Signale, die das Verhalten von Insekten stören und so Schadpopulationen manipulieren, ist immer noch eine populäre Alternative zum Pestizideinsatz im Pflanzenschutz. Jedoch wurden die hohen Erwartungen, die der Pheromoneinsatz versprach, durch die relativ geringe Zahl erfolgreicher Anwendungen gedämpft. Trotz früherer Enttäuschungen kann die gegenwärtige Forschung jedoch den Wert solcher Strategien aufzeigen, bei denen die Anwendung verhaltensmodifizierender Duftstoffe mit anderen Maßnahmen des biotechnischen Pflanzenschutzes verbunden wird.Die Erforschung der Wechselbeziehungen zwischen Insekt und Wirtspflanze bietet die chemischen Grundlagen für das Auffinden der Wirtspflanze, deren Akzeptanz oder Ablehnung ebenso wie die Eignung für Wachstum und Entwicklung des Insekts. Einmal identifiziert, können solche Naturstoffe dazu benutzt werden, die Wirkung konventioneller Maßnahmen der biologischen Bekämpfung zu verbessern und überdies neue Wege zur Entwicklung resistenter Pflanzen eröffnen.Neue Erkenntnisse über die Produktion und Perzeption verhaltensmodifizierender Stoffe werden spezifische Zielsubstanzen erkennen lassen, die das Verhaltensmuster des Insekts stören. Der künftige Fortschritt wird von der fortgesetzten Zusammenarbeit zwischen Chemikern und Entomologen bei zunehmenden Beiträgen durch Biochemiker, Elektrophysiologen, Neurobiologen und Verhaltensforschern abhängen. Fortschritte in der Enzymologie der Produktion und Perzeption verhaltensmodifizierender Stoffe werden die Tür zu einem molekularem Zutritt eröffnen, der eine neue Welle in der Erforschung verhaltensmodifizierender Stoffe für die künftige Anwendung im integrierten Pflanzenschutz verspricht.