FEMALE SEX-PHEROMONES OF CHILO SPP (LEPIDOPTERA, PYRALIDAE) AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT IN PEST-CONTROL APPLICATIONS

Female sex pheromone components have been identified for seven species of Chilo, pests of cereals and sugar-cane. Synthetic pheromone blends for C. suppressalis, C. sacchariphagus, C. sacchariphagus indicus, C. auricilius and C. zacconius have shown satisfactory attractiveness to male moths in the field. Blends for C. partellus and C. infuscatellus seem to be incomplete. Pheromones and related compounds have been investigated for control of C. suppressalis by mating disruption in the Philippines, Japan, Spain and Korea. These studies have shown not only trap catch reduction, but also reduced viable egg production in field cages and effective control of damage by this pest on areas up to 60 ha. Initial studies have been carried out on control of C. sacchariphagus by mating disruption in Mauritius, and both the pheromone and an inhibitor have been shown to cause trap catch reduction of C. auricilius in India. Attempts have been made to control C. sacchariphagus indicus by mass trapping in India.