Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 61-68 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 63 Moreover, fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have demonstrated repellent activity against pests like Sitophilus zeamais, highlighting their potential as biopesticides (Herrera et al., 2015). These dual roles of volatiles in repelling pests and attracting their natural enemies are essential for integrated pest management strategies. 3.3 Synergistic interactions between volatiles and pest control agents The effectiveness of plant volatiles in pest control can be enhanced through synergistic interactions with other pest control agents. For instance, the application of plant strengtheners such as BTH (benzo (1,2,3) thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester) has been shown to enhance the attraction of parasitoids to herbivore-damaged plants, thereby improving biological control (Sobhy et al., 2015). Similarly, the use of synthetic Green Leaf Volatiles (GLVs) in maize fields has been found to increase the emission of sesquiterpenes, which can attract natural enemies of herbivores. These synergistic interactions between plant volatiles and other pest control agents can lead to more effective and sustainable pest management solutions. In summary, plant volatiles disrupt insect olfaction and behavior, act as repellents and attractants, and interact synergistically with other pest control agents to enhance pest management in maize. These mechanisms highlight the potential of utilizing natural plant volatiles for sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control strategies. 4 Applications of Natural Plant Volatiles in Maize Pest Control 4.1 Field trials and experimental studies Field trials and experimental studies have demonstrated the potential of natural plant volatiles in controlling maize pests. For instance, the application of synthetic Green Leaf Volatiles (GLVs) in maize fields has been shown to increase the release of sesquiterpenes by the plants, although it had limited effects on the attraction of both pest and beneficial insects (Mérey et al., 2011). Another study highlighted the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to manipulate insect pest behavior in a "push-pull" strategy, which could be adapted for maize pest control. This approach successfully reduced pest oviposition and infestation without adversely affecting natural enemies (Lamy et al., 2017). Additionally, the use of Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPVs) has been explored, showing that these compounds can attract natural enemies of pests, thereby enhancing biological control. 4.2 Comparison with synthetic pesticides When compared to synthetic pesticides, natural plant volatiles offer several advantages. Synthetic insecticides, while effective, often lead to the development of resistant pest genotypes and can negatively impact non-target organisms, including natural enemies of pests. In contrast, natural plant volatiles such as limonene and methyl salicylate have been shown to repel pests and induce plant defenses without these adverse effects (Conboy et al., 2020). Furthermore, a study comparing the efficacy of synthetic insecticides and botanicals against the fall armyworm in maize found that certain botanicals were as effective as synthetic options, suggesting that natural volatiles could be a viable alternative (Sisay et al., 2019). The use of VOCs also aligns with the need for environmentally benign pest control methods, reducing the reliance on harmful agrochemicals (Veres et al., 2020). 4.3 Integration into pest management strategies (IPM) Integrating natural plant volatiles into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies can enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of pest control in maize. IPM strategies that incorporate VOCs can reduce the need for synthetic pesticides, thereby mitigating their negative environmental impacts. For example, the "push-pull" strategy, which uses a combination of attractive and repulsive stimuli, can be adapted to maize pest management to manipulate pest behavior and reduce crop damage. Additionally, the use of HIPVs to attract natural enemies can be integrated into IPM systems to enhance biological control (Simpson et al., 2011). A framework for identifying selective chemical applications for IPM has also been proposed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining non-target populations while effectively controlling pests (Umina et al., 2015). This approach can be particularly beneficial in dryland agriculture, where maintaining ecological balance is crucial.
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