Insect Behaviour Modulation Using Pheromones: Trends and Applications
Suchithra Kumari M H *
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mudigere 577132, Chikkamagaluru district, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, India.
Dharna Bisen
Entomology, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur, India.
Jayant J P
Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur Karnataka India.
Himanshu Sekhar Behera
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Lovely Professional University Punjab,144411, India.
Barinderjit Singh
Department of Food Science and Technology, I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, Punjab, -144601, India.
Amit Lohar
Department of Horticulture, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, R. Sitapur, District Gajapati, Odisha, 761211, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Pheromones are chemical signals secreted by insects that influence the behavior of conspecifics, playing a pivotal role in communication related to mating, aggregation, foraging, and defense. This review explores the advances in understanding insect behavioral modulation through pheromones, with a focus on contemporary trends and real-world applications. Emphasis is placed on the ecological functions of various pheromone types, mechanisms of detection, and behavioral outcomes. Emerging technologies in pheromone synthesis, controlled release systems, and gene-editing for pheromone production are also discussed. Practical applications such as mating disruption, mass trapping, lure-and-kill strategies, and integrated pest management (IPM) highlight the potential of pheromones in sustainable agriculture. The paper further outlines challenges including pheromone degradation, species-specificity, and resistance. By integrating ecological insights with biotechnological innovations, pheromone-based approaches offer a promising, eco-friendly alternative to conventional insecticides, reducing environmental impact while enhancing crop protection.
Keywords: Insect pheromones, behavioural modulation, Semiochemicals, mating disruption, integrated pest management (IPM), mass trapping, Lure-and-kill, sustainable pest control