Work

Semiochemicals for enhanced biological control: more promise than payoff

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Using methyl salicylate to manipulate natural enemies for pest management has been widely advocated. Demonstrating positive outcomes in small plot trials can be misleading and provides no support to assertions of improved pest management. The question of the source of the natural enemies for large field-scale applications of semiochemicals across multiple farms is never addressed. We suggest what needs to be done if this field is to progress.

Source: npj Entomology

DOI: 10.1038/s44434-026-00003-3

Authors: Michael J. Furlong, Zhaozhi Lu, Chentao Luo, Pee-Jay Rejuso, Mohammad Mehrabadi, Francisco Rubén Badenes-Pérez, Alberto Pozzebon, Zhenyu Li, Zhaoke Dong, Myron P. Zalucki

Institutions: The University of Queensland, Qingdao Agricultural University, Tarbiat Modares University, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto de Ciencias Agrarias, University of Padua, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Insect-Plant Interactions and Control

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,590

Funders: Qingdao Agricultural University, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences

OpenAlex ID: W7212046012

FWCI: 4.5

Cites: 56

Cited by: 1

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