Technology Description:

The invention uses chemical attractants produced by insects (pheromones) and plants (kairomones) as effective ways to attract insect pests. Particular combinations of the two types of chemical attractants act synergistically, increasing the effectiveness of the other. In particular, the invention involves green leaf volatiles, which synergize the attractant effect of insect pheromones on insect pests.

The invention can be used to attract bollweevils, Mediterranean fruit flies and European elm bark beetles. The invention suggests that members of the green leaf volatile complex such as trans-2-hexen-1-ol, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol, hexenal and trans-2-hexanal, are extremely successful in attracting insect pests. The invention can be used to reduce the level of petroleum-based chemicals used to control pests, while allowing the survival of beneficial insects.

The technology is applicable for companies in the manufacture of traps, poisons or baits designed at targeting specific insect populations. Companies engaged in the development of semiochemicals may also benefit from the technology.

Please refer to Patent Number 6,413,508, which issued July 2, 2002.

Joseph C. Dickens
Chemicals Affecting Insect
 Behavior Laboratory
Henry A. Wallace Beltsville
 Agricultural Research Center
Beltsville, MD 20705-2350
(301) 504-5482 / Fax: (301) 504-6580
dickensj@ba.ars.usda.gov