Use of semiochemicals for surveillance and control of hematophagous insects

Abstract

Reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides and chemotherapeutic agents to control hematophagous insect vectors, and their related diseases is threatened by increasing insecticide and drug resistance, respectively. Thus, development of novel, alternative, complementary and effective technologies for surveillance and control of such insects is strongly encouraged. Semiochemicals are increasingly developed for monitoring and intervention of insect crop pests, but this has not been adequately addressed for hematophagous insects of medical and veterinary importance. This review provides an insight in the application of semiochemicals for control of hematophagous insects. Here, we provide specific information regarding the isolation and identification of semiochemical compounds, optimization approaches, detection, perception and discrimination by the insect olfactory system. Navigation of insects along wind-borne odor plumes is discussed and methods of odor application in field situations are reviewed. Finally, we discuss prospects and future challenges for the application of semiochemical-based tools with emphasis on mosquitoes. The acquired knowledge can guide development of more effective components of integrated vector management, safeguard against emerging resistance of insects to existing insecticides and reduce the burden of vector-borne diseases.

How do plants sense volatiles sent by other plants?

“…The biological control of insects both in the field and in greenhouses using herbivore-induced plant VOCs is a well-established application [51]. In many other cases, however, (and particularly when addressing plant-plant interactions) the use of VOCs in agriculture has not been as successful as promised [6,11].…”

Sensing of Airborne Infochemicals for Green Pest Management: What Is the Challenge?

“…Since the first successful application of pheromones for treatments against fruit moths in Australia in 1975, IC-based crop protection has advantageously replaced pesticide treatments in several crops worldwide. , They efficiently suppressed a variety of common crop pests, including palm weevils, Colorado potato beetles, cotton boll weevils, olive flies, fruit flies, and grapevine moths . Several reviews dealing with this topic are available in the literature regarding approaches to sustainable agriculture, among which the mating disruption and push–pull strategy are dominant. − A schematic of methods used for green pest control is shown in Figure . Mating disruption uses dispensers to release a high concentration of synthetic sex pheromones to saturate the air above the crop, permeate the environment, and consequently interrupt pest communication and inhibit their reproductive cycle …”

Application of Botanical Pesticides in Organic Agriculture Production: Potential and Challenges

“…The US EPA considers the term "non-toxic mode of action" to imply that no chemical or biological interaction of the biopesticide molecule occurs with the physiology of the target pest organism such that direct lethality results in that pest organism [19]. Biochemical pesticides and semiochemicals with non-toxic mode of action are used in pest control for reducing the risk, pollution and resistance of pesticides.…”