The use of synthetic sex pheromones for pest management in stored-product situations

In spite of the obvious advantages of storage systems for pheromone use, few attempts have been made to investigate the practical effectiveness of pheromones in such systems. The sex pheromone complex of Ephestia cautella (Walker) is described, and the possible natural functions of the components are suggested. Trials with the synthetic pheromones show that mating frequency of the moth can be reduced by slow release of the materials in a warehouse. The prospects for the use of pheromones in pest management in stores are discussed.