Pheromones

Abstract:
Pheromones are chemical signals, that is, carriers of information between individuals within a species. Pheromones induce a physiological or behavioral response in the receiving individual, and often play a crucial role in mate finding and other interactions among animals. Most pheromone research has been done with insects, and in particular with species regarded as pests. For these, application of pheromones that in different ways manipulate their behaviors can be used in pest management, for monitoring purposes, or for population control. These methods are species specific and environmentally friendly compared to traditional chemical insecticides. Side effects are usually restricted to occasional catch of nontarget species, and direct adverse effects on the environment have not been recorded