Physical Control of Insects—recent Developments

Abstract

The scope of physical control of insects is summarised and recent developments (post -1969) in the field are reviewed. Physical control though offering great potential as a component of integrated control systems is not yet in widespread use against field pests. In stored commodity protection physical methods are of increasing importance and may completely replace current chemically-based protectant methods. Direct insect control by ionising radiation has received much attention but large scale application appears doubtful. Application of many physical methods is restricted by high capital cost and lack of post-treatment protection. A bibliography of recent reviews is given.

A novel adhesive trunk trap net for trapping Eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

“…Physical control methods play an important role in pest management, and recent advances in this area and restrictions on many chemical controls have resulted in a considerable increase in research and development of physical control methods . Studies on insect behavior can promote the development of novel physical control tools .…”

“…Physical control methods play an important role in pest management, and recent advances in this area and restrictions on many chemical controls have resulted in a considerable increase in research and development of physical control methods. [23][24][25][26] Studies on insect behavior can promote the development of novel physical control tools. 19,[27][28][29] Based on ascending-falling behavior of E. brandti adults on the tree trunks, Li et al 16 developed a physical barrier to prevent E. brandti adults from climbing up trees.…”

Alternatives to Synthetic Chemical Insecticides for Use in Crucifer Crops

“…Some of these methods have been adopted, to an extent, in the food storage industry but have not been applied to field crop management (Banks, 1976). There are some physical control techniques however, which have potential for use with vegetable or row crops.…”

Bruchid Research in Bangladesh

“…Watters (1972) confirms a useful review of possible applications for radio-frequency heating, infra-red, ultraviolet and ionizing radiation. But the use of these techniques for storage pest control is still limited by the basic problems of capital cost, running costs and other aspects of practical feasibility (Banks, 1976, McFarlane, 1989. Further irradiation confers no protection against irradiation procedures their inclusion in the IPM systems will depend primarily, as with the use of other techniques, upon their relative cost efficiency.…”