Knowledge of host chemical volatiles has tremendously informed the fundamental understanding of plant-insect interactions as well as revealed opportunities for the creative use of plant-derived chemicals in the food and flavor industries and in insect pest management. This study was undertaken to assess the host searching behaviors of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) females in relation to their mating status and conspecific larval herbivory. This involved measurement of odor-modulated upwind flight of female moths in a wind tunnel. Subsequently, the host location, recognition and acceptance behaviors of gravid females in relation to either intact uninfested or larvae-infested cabbage, Brassica oleracea L. (capitata group; Brassicales: Brassicaceae) hosts were compared in no-choice and dual-choice tests. Mating status had little effect on the female responses to host odor and flight duration. However, female moths were significantly more attracted to conspecific larvae-infested cabbage plants and had significantly shorter flights than in relation to intact uninfested cabbage hosts. Behavioral responses of gravid females were consistent when offered intact and larvae-infested cabbage hosts in both no-choice and choice tests in observation cages. Antennal rotation and ovipositor probing were found to be important in host searching and recognition, respectively, before a host was accepted for egg laying. Female moths oviposited significantly more eggs on larvae-infested cabbage than on intact uninfested cabbage and in particular more on leaves than on other parts of the cabbage plant. These results indicate the potential of developing a brassica host-derived kairomone attractant as a useful monitoring tool for female diamondback moths in area-wide integrated pest management programs that have a sterile insect technique (SIT) component.

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This chaper describes the areawide pest management (AWPM) programme for the Hawaii fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae). The programme included developing and integrating biologically based pest technology into a comprehensive IPM package that was economically viable, environmentally friendly and sustainable. It included operational, research, education and assessment components. The technologies included (i) field sanitation; (ii) application of protein bait sprays; (iii) male and female annihilation with male lures and other attractants; (iv) sterile insect releases; and (v) conservation or release of beneficial parasitoids. The development and implementation of education and technology transfer programmes are discussed for the success of the AWPM programme. The implementation of the AWPM programme and its compatibility with crop management and management of co-occurring pests; efficacy at controlling the target pest; unintended negative and positive consequences; sociological evaluation; and economic evaluation of cost and benefits are discussed.

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