Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology (SPLAT): A New Semiochemical-based Strategy for Sustainable Pest Management

Abstract

Mating disruption is a novel, eco-friendly method of controlling insect pests that uses artificial or synthetic sex pheromones to interrupt the mating behaviour of target species. By reducing problems like pest resurgence, resistance development, and hazardous residues, this method presents a viable substitute for traditional pesticides. However, its efficacy may be constrained by elements including labor needs, high implementation costs, and environmental sensitivity. Semiochemicals are naturally occurring, species-specific compounds that mediate communication both within and between insect species and their environment. In pest management, these chemical signals are primarily used to influence the behaviour of target pests, with the added benefit of posing minimal risk for the development of resistance. Among various semiochemical-based strategies, the use of sex pheromones has gained attention, particularly through the application of Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology (SPLAT). This innovative method is designed to reduce pest populations by interfering with mating, attracting and eliminating insects, or repelling them altogether. SPLAT is a wax-based formulation that enables the slow and consistent release of pheromones, maintaining efficacy for periods ranging from two weeks to six months, depending on environmental conditions. This prolonged release makes it a valuable tool in sustainable pest control programmes. As a matrix-type or monolithic formulation, it gradually emits pheromones or other bioactive compounds, making it suitable for various pest control strategies. For instance, SPLAT-PBW at 1250 g per acre significantly lowered male moth catches and boll damage in Bt cotton, while SPLAT-BSFB, applied at 500 g per acre, effectively minimized shoot and fruit damage in brinjal. In mango orchards, SPLAT-MAT spinosad ME offered season-long fruit fly control without the need for lure replacement, proving both efficient and cost-effective. SPLAT-Verb successfully protected trees from mountain pine beetle within an 11-meter radius, and SPLAT-YSB showed promising results in controlling yellow stem borer in rice. These targeted applications demonstrate SPLAT's versatility and value in integrated pest management (IPM), offering a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical control methods while effectively managing key agricultural pests. SPLAT stands out for being non-toxic, safe for humans, animals, and the environment, while supporting the goals of sustainable agriculture. Its field performance has been widely validated across diverse crops and pests.