Author
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Aldrich, Jeffrey |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 5/4/1999 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Generalist predators function well as low-density population regulators to prevent pest outbreaks, and insecticidal disruption of these predators can lead to catastrophic crop failures. The realization that imported biological control agents can adversely affect nontarget native species makes managing endemic beneficials more important than ever. Behavior-modifying chemicals (semiochemicals) offer a means to manage the vast arsenal of generalist predators. Discovery and the judicious application of attractants for predators can direct generalists against specific pests. Conversely, luring predators away from infestations prior to pesticide applications will conserve predators to combat pest resurgences. Inclusion of semiochemicals in artificial diets and oviposition sites will likely improve the efficacy of predator mass-propagation. Combining pheromone-mediated harvest of wild predators with semiochemically bolstered mass-rearing will multiply the supply of predators, and help avoid inbreeding. This manuscript provides a review of the knowledge of predator semiochemicals, and their present and potential applications for improved pest control. Technical Abstract: Generalist predators function well as low-density population regulators to prevent pest outbreaks, and insecticidal disruption of these predators can lead to catastrophic crop failures. The realization that imported biological control agents can adversely affect nontarget native species makes managing endemic beneficials more important than ever. Behavior-modifying chemicals (semiochemicals) offer a means to manage the vast arsenal of generalist predators. Discovery and the judicious application of attractants for predators can direct generalists against specific pests. Conversely, luring predators away from infestations prior to pesticide applications will conserve predators to combat pest resurgences. Inclusion of semiochemicals in artificial diets and oviposition sites will likely improve the efficacy of predator mass-propagation. Combining pheromone-mediated harvest of wild predators with semiochemically bolstered mass-rearing will multiply the supply of predators, and help avoid inbreeding. This manuscript provides a review of the knowledge of predator semiochemicals, and their present and potential applications for improved pest control. |
