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Learning Pheromone Terminology
Pheromone-based tools are widely used by growers in both conventional and organic crop production. We understand that the terminology used to describe these tools, and their functions can sometimes be confusing. To better support growers, we are providing clear explanations of the key terms used in pheromone-based pest management. Our goal is to give growers and crop advisers the information they need to confidently use these tools in their Integrated Pest Management programs.
Pheromones
Semiochemicals are natural chemical signals that organisms use to communicate. Pheromones are a type of semiochemical that allow members of the same species to send messages to one another. Insects produce a variety of pheromones, and each serves a specific purpose, but agricultural pest management focuses on sex pheromones. Many female insects release sex pheromones to attract males, leading to courtship behavior and reproduction.
- Key takeaway: Sex pheromones are a type of semiochemical, or natural chemical signal, released by female insects to attract males for reproduction.
Pheromone Lures for Pest Monitoring
Pheromone lures are a fundamental tool in pest monitoring. As the name suggests, they are used to attract insects to traps by releasing a small amount of pheromone (relative to mating disruption) into the environment. Traps baited with lures are placed strategically in fields to gather information.
Growers use traps to gauge pest pressure, track insect phenology, and estimate the number of generations per year. While many lures mimic female sex pheromones to selectively attract male insects, other semiochemicals such as kairomones (plant volatiles or food-based attractants) may also be used to gather specific pest information. Because lures are not designed to last all season, they must be replaced at appropriate intervals for accurate monitoring.
- Key takeaway: Lures are monitoring tools that allow growers to gather information about pest populations to inform treatment decisions. They use semiochemicals such as pheromones or kairomones to attract insects to traps.
Pheromone Mating Disruption for Managing Pest Populations
Mating disruption is a pest management strategy that uses species specific pheromones to interfere with insect reproduction. When a mating disruption product effectively releases pheromone into the environment, it becomes difficult for male insects to locate females. This technology prevents and delays pest mating, actively reducing pest populations and damage throughout the season. When properly engineered, mating disruption products release pheromone consistently over time, with some formulations providing precision or year-long release. For maximum efficacy, mating disruption should be evenly distributed throughout the environment.
- Key takeaway: Mating disruption is a pest management strategy that uses species specific sex pheromones to prevent insect mating. Suterra's mating disruption solutions offer precision or year-long population suppression depending on the product or platform.
Mating Disruption “Platforms”
Platform is a term used by Suterra to describe our pheromone delivery systems, or the different types of products. Not all pheromone products are designed the same; quality, design, and engineering are all critical to ensure that pheromone is entering the environment reliably. Suterra has three main platforms: Puffer® aerosols, vapor dispensers, and microencapsulated sprayable pheromones.
The best mating disruption platform for your IPM program depends on the pest biology, crop system, and operational factors. Selecting the appropriate platform is critical to ensure the pheromone active ingredient reaches the target insect to effectively disrupt mating. Not sure what platform is best for your field? Send us a message here to discuss which product best suits your situation.
- Key takeaway: Platform is a term used by Suterra to describe our pheromone delivery systems. The three main platforms: Puffer® aerosols, vapor dispensers, and sprayable pheromones are designed to optimize mating disruption effectiveness based on crop and pest biology.
Puffer®
Puffer® is Suterra’s aerosol mating disruption solution. Puffer was the first ever aerosol mating disruption product and it continues to protect more acres globally than any other. It releases a precise, metered dose of pheromone, exposing males to active ingredient all season long. Puffer aerosols ensure consistent pheromone release in all geographies, environments, and weather conditions. Our Puffer® products offer solutions for navel orangeworm, codling moth, Oriental fruit moth, and other key agricultural pests.
- Key takeaway: Puffer® is Suterra’s aerosol mating disruption solution, delivering precise, season-long pheromone release.
Dispensers
Dispensers are a vapor release technology. Suterra has two lines of dispenser products, CheckMate® and Celada™. Each reliably releases pheromone in a stable, consistent manner across all environmental conditions for season or year-long protection. Industry wide, dispensers vary in how they are engineered, the types of materials used, and how those materials interact with pheromone. Suterra dispensers are expertly engineered and rigorously field tested to ensure the greatest longevity and most consistent release over time.
- Key takeaway: Suterra’s CheckMate® and Celada™ dispensers use vapor release technology to provide consistent, season or year-long pheromone protection across all environmental conditions.
Sprayable Pheromones
Sprayable pheromones are an innovative microencapsulated pheromone platform. Suterra’s CheckMate® line of sprayable pheromones contains the species-specific pheromone active ingredient used to disrupt mating, and the matrix (microcapsule) that controls its precise release. These highly engineered microcapsules consistently release pheromone over multiple weeks, offering the longest residual activity available with sprayable tools. One application of sprayable is like billions of microscopic dispensers distributed in the field.
- Key takeaway: Suterra’s CheckMate® line of sprayable pheromones are a microencapsulated solution that provide consistent, precise pheromone release over multiple weeks for effective mating disruption.
Understanding the key terminology related to pheromone-based pest management allows growers and crop advisers to more effectively communicate when making decisions about their IPM programs. Whether using lures for monitoring, or implementing mating disruption through Puffers®, vapor dispensers, or sprayable formulations, selecting the right tool is important.
Suterra is proud to partner with the agricultural industry to provide monitoring and mating disruption technology to advance sustainable pest management strategies.
To discuss more with our dedicated team, contact us here.