Behavioral Manipulation Methods for Insect Pest-Management

Abstract

We discuss methods using stimuli to manipulate behavior of a pest for the purpose of protecting a valued resource. The methods are divided into two categories: those that manipulate behavior over a long distance, e.g. volatile chemicals, visual, and auditory stimuli, and those that manipulate behavior at a short distance (< 1 cm), e.g. involatile chemicals. Particular emphasis is placed on methods that have been developed through studies of pest behavior and on combining stimuli to increase efficacy. Future prospects for behavioral manipulation methods in pest management are discussed.

Tick Repellent Substances in the Essential Oil of <I>Tanacetum vulgare</I>

“…Conversely, the host plant volatiles can attract female herbivores to deposit eggs (Dethier 1982;Bruce et al 2005). Therefore, combining host and nonhost chemicals could be used to manipulate the pests' host choice (Unnithan et al 1990;Dimock et al 1991;Foster et al 1997). The use of combinations of behavior-modifying chemical stimuli to manipulate the distribution and abundance of pests on crops has been called the push-pull strategy and used to reduce crop damage (Shelton et al 2006;Cook et al 2007).…”

Influence of long-chain fatty acids on weight gain of Hylastinus obscurus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

“…The process of host-plant selection by an insect is divided into several orientation-steps, including landing, probing, feeding and ovipositioning. After arriving at the food resource, an insect is likely to contact additional stimuli that can either stimulate a feeding behavior, keeping the insect at the resource, or inhibit that behavior, resulting in the rejection by the insect and, possibly, its departure from the resource (Foster and Harris, 1997). Stimulants and deterrents can be involved in either feeding or ovipositioning behaviors.…”

Trap Cropping

“…We chose this delineation to preserve the distinction between habitat manipulation for enhanced biological control and the various examples of what we suggest constitute trap cropping (Landis et al, 2000). Semiochemically assisted trap cropping, principles underlying the effects of trap cropping on insect behavior are similar to those behind semiochemicals and other behavior-based methods for pest management (Foster & Harris, 1997). In conventional trap cropping, attraction to the plant may be due to semio chemicals naturally produced by the trap crop.…”