Insektenpheromone: Biologie, Chemie, Anwendungsmöglichkeiten.

Abstract

The behaviour of insects is influenced and regulared by semiochemicals. Insect sex pheromones are aspecific group of semiochemicals restricted to intraspecific, intersexual communication. - After an explanation of the terminology in the field of chemical communication, recent advances in the biology, chemistry and utilization of lepidopterous sex pheromones are reviewed. A brief survey is presented on the biosynthesis of pheromones, the structure and functionpheromonal glands and olfactory sensillae, with special emphasis on recent studies of multicomponent pheromone perception and intersexual transmission of pheromonal-information. - Advances in organic chemistry during the past two decades made possible the isolation, identification, synthesis and production of many sex pheromones. But this is only the first step in the development and potential practical use of these chemicals in plant protection. It is necessary to establish the efficacy of sex pheromones under various conditions, as well as developing standardized pheromone-formulations and the technology of its application. - Prospects and problems employing lepidopterous sex pheromones for population monitoring and pest control are indicated and discussed.