Integrated Pest Management Ibps Afo Important Topic
Which of the following sex trap is used to trap male insects in IPM (Integrated Pest Management)? (IBPS AFO 2019-20)
- Pheromone traps
- Light traps
- Yellow sticky traps
- Water pan traps
- Electric grid traps
Ans. Pheromone traps
Pheromones in Pest Management
Sex pheromones
Sex pheromones are single or complex blends of different chemicals released by one insect to attract the opposite sex of the same species.
In general, females (especially the moths) emit sex attractants to attract males for mating.
Sex pheromones generally originate from females and attract males for mating.
In certain species of insects, the males are known to produce the sex pheromone which attracts the females.
Sex pheromones consist in individual molecules or a specific blend of compounds in a given ratio.
The most studied, and used in IPM, sex pheromones are those emitted by Lepidoptera.
Sex pheromones are artificially synthesized in the laboratories and supplied as sex pheromone lures.
Such pheromones are placed in the field to attract trap and kill the males; thus, the matting is not allowed.
Hence, sex pheromone traps can be considered as a key component in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). (IBPS AFO 2019-20)
Ready-to-use Sex pheromone lures and traps are available for Helicoverpa armigera (attacking crops like Cotton, Redgram , Tomato, Okra, Sunflower, Chillies, Maize, Sorghum etc.) and Spodoptera litura (attacking crops like Tobacco, Groundnut, Sunflower, Cotton, Cabbage, Beetroot, Cauliflower, etc.)