Biological control in integrated management of deciduous fruit insect pests: the use of semiochemicals

Publication date: 09/09/2019
Extent: 92 pages

Contributions by: Larry Gut, Christopher Adams and James Miller, Michigan State University, USA; and Peter McGhee and Donald Thomson, Pacific Biocontrol Corporation, USA

Chapter synopsis: Over the past 25 years, semiochemical-based technologies have emerged as essential components of pest management programmes in deciduous fruit production systems. Pheromone-based mating disruption is by far the most widely adopted behavioural control, with nearly 800 000 ha of fruit crops treated worldwide. The chapter reviews both the progress that researchers and practitioners have made, along with the hurdles encountered as they conceptualized, developed and implemented behavioural controls. The chapter focusses on the uses of behaviour-modifying chemicals for direct control of insect pests of deciduous tree fruits and berry crops and also on the development and future prospects of mating disruption. Sections are included on pheromone-mediated mating disruption, mass deployment of attractant-baited traps and application of attract-and-kill formulations/devices. The chapter concludes with a detailed case study on codling moth (Cydia pomonella) mating disruption covering pheromone identification, early research and adoption, demonstration and area-wide programmes, companion insecticides and dispenser development.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2019.0046.27