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Semiochemicals are nature’s message-bearing molecules that are used as signals by a variety of organisms. Unlike visual or auditory signals, semiochemicals are volatile and perceived through olfaction. The messages that semiochemicals convey result in specific behaviors. These chemicals can be used as tools for integrated pest management because they modify organism behavior. For example, insects can be attracted into plastic traps with semiochemical lures, and populations levels can be determined. Log yards in British Columbia have used semiochemical mass-trapping to reduce numbers of damaging woodboring ambrosia beetles for over 20 years. Unlike pesticides, semiochemicals are naturally occurring and are not toxic. They have a high degree of species specificity and low environmental impact
Pheromones are a subset of the larger, more diverse group of semiochemicals. The term pheromone applies to chemical signals that are emitted and perceived within the same species. The first insect sex pheromones were identified in the late 1950’s and initially were scientific curiosities. As the science of chemical ecology came into its own in the 1970’s, practical applications from the emerging technology were envisioned. Today, monitoring insect pest populations with sex pheromone baited traps is a routine part of many integrated pest management programs. Pheromones are are not limited to attraction as anti-aggregation, ovipostion deterrents and alarm pheromones are also known. Our BeetleBlock MCH™ product is an anti-aggregations pheromone that protects Douglas-fir trees from Douglas-fir beetle attacks.
Kairomones are another member of the group of semiochemicals where the signal detected is benificial to the perceiving species. For example a mountain pine beetle attacks pine trees and not alder trees because it recognizes both the kairomones of appropriate hosts and non-host species.
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