Aggregation pheromones of vegetable pests: Potential for application to pest management

Several aggregation pheromones of chrysomelid beetles and stink bugs have potential to function in mass trapping, “supercharged”
trap-cropping, and/or attract-and-kill systems for management of key vegetable pests. All of these rely on less-expensive production
of stereoisomerically impure mixtures that include the active component(s) of the male-produced aggregation pheromone.
Furthermore, success relies on the pest species' insensitivity to “off” (non-pheromonal) isomers. Species under study include
harlequin bug, striped cucumber beetle, Colorado potato beetle, and crucifer flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.). Combination with
characteristic plant kairomones, such as cucurbitacins and isothiocyanates for cucurbit and mustard specialists respectively, offer
added potential for species-specific attraction. However, challenges remain with management of vicinity effects arising from
aggregations, development of time-release formulations, and spatial and temporal deployment relative to trap crops and main crops.