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VOL. 10, ISSUE 8 (2025)
Entomological chemical ecology: The role of semiochemicals in insect behavior and sustainable pest management
Authors
K Parameswara Rao, Anitha D
Abstract
This study explores the role of semiochemicals in modifying insect
behavior and their application in sustainable pest management under field
conditions in rural Guntur, Andhra Pradesh (16.3067° N, 80.4365° E) between
February 2023 and March 2024. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of sex
pheromones and plant-derived volatiles in monitoring and controlling
economically significant pest species—Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera
litura, Bemisia tabaci, and Nilaparvata lugens.
Semiochemicals were extracted and identified using GC-MS (Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020
NX), and insect responses were assessed through Y-tube olfactometer and field
trap assays. Results revealed that 83.3% of H. armigera and 76.7% of S.
litura responded to pheromone treatments (p < 0.001), while B.
tabaci and N. lugens showed 70.0% and 66.7% attraction to methyl
salicylate and linalool, respectively. Field trials showed pest population
reductions ranging from 46.7% to 59.1%, and crop yields improved by up to 22.8%
in cotton. Seasonal analysis confirmed peak efficacy under moderate temperature
and low rainfall conditions. The study concludes that semiochemical-based
strategies offer an effective, eco-friendly alternative to conventional
pesticides and hold strong potential for climate-responsive integrated pest
management systems.
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Pages:63-68
How to cite this article:
K Parameswara Rao, Anitha D "Entomological chemical ecology: The role of semiochemicals in insect behavior and sustainable pest management". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 8, 2025, Pages 63-68
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