Pheromones for Monitoring and Control of Pests of Woody Ornamentals

This paper presents and overview of recent collaborative work by East Malling Research and the Natural Resources Institute, U. K., to identify and exploit the sex pheromones and other semiochemicals ("signalling" substances) of important non-lepidopteran fruit pests. Though perhaps the majority of insect pests rely on sex pheromones and other semiochemicals to mediate reproduction, to date only the sex pheromones of lepidopteran (caterpillar) pests have been exploited to a significant extent in horticulture in Europe and even for these, exploitation is limited. The sex pheromones of many important non-lepidopteran pests were known to exist and pheromones of related species which were pests in other crops in other continents had already been identified. In some cases, it has been possible to use pheromones in integrated pest management by using them alongside volatile host plant compounds. The first step in development of semiochemical monitoring systems for gall midge, capsid bug, and blossom weevil pests of fruit crops was to identify and synthesise the attractants and demonstrate their behavioural activity. Further work was required to develop practical lures and traps and to explore their use in pest management. Highly sensitive, pest-specific monitoring traps have been developed which are proving valuable for pest monitoring in fruit crops. For some pests, precision monitoring has allowed the local application of targeted sprays resulting in longer term reduction in pest populations. Pheromones of two species have been exploited for control through mating disruption, mass trapping or attract and kill. Opportunities for similar approaches in woody ornamentals are considered.