The development of new pest control methods is a necessity. The use of a number of well-established insecticides has been restricted or banned within the past few years. In addition, conventional insecticides meet increasing criticism and dissatisfaction, due to health hazards, environmental problems and insect resistance.
Insects use sex pheromones to communicate for mating.
By permeating the atmosphere with synthetic pheromone, olfactory communication and mate-finding can be prevented. The mating disruption technique is close to a commercial breakthrough, but needs to become more economic and more reliable, especially at high population densities. Most important work is done by growers and pest control experts who coordinate and survey the practical use of pheromones. Successful applications require basic knowledge of dispenser materials, active ingredients and their effect on insect behaviour, as well as the population dynamics of the pest species. Another crucial issue is the assessment of damage during the season.