Molecular Entomology 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 61-68 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 65 6.2 Cost-effectiveness and accessibility for smallholder farmers Plant volatiles offer a cost-effective pest management solution, particularly beneficial for smallholder farmers who may lack access to expensive chemical pesticides. The natural emission of VOCs from plants can be harnessed without the need for significant financial investment. For example, the exposure of maize seedlings to volatiles from damaged weeds has been shown to enhance plant growth and resistance to pests, leading to improved crop yields without additional costs (Sakurai et al., 2023). Moreover, the development of insect-resistant maize varieties through modern breeding programs can provide a sustainable alternative for pest management, reducing postharvest losses and enhancing food security in low-income regions (López-Castillo et al., 2018). These strategies are accessible and practical for smallholder farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. 6.3 Challenges in large-scale implementation and consistency of results Despite the benefits, there are challenges associated with the large-scale implementation of plant volatiles for pest control. One major challenge is the variability in the effectiveness of VOCs under different field conditions. For instance, while laboratory studies have demonstrated the potential of VOCs in enhancing plant resistance, translating these results to real field conditions has proven difficult (Tamiru and Khan, 2017). Additionally, the constitutive emission of certain volatiles can attract herbivores, leading to increased plant damage, as observed in genetically engineered maize plants emitting (E)-β-caryophyllene and α-humulene (Robert et al., 2013). The inconsistency in results and the potential for unintended consequences highlight the need for thorough field assessments and the development of strategies to optimize the use of plant volatiles in pest management. Furthermore, the complexity of plant-insect interactions and the influence of environmental factors necessitate ongoing research to refine and adapt these approaches for broader agricultural applications (Szendrei and Rodriguez-Saona, 2010; Piesik et al., 2022). 7 Future Directions and Research Opportunities 7.1 Advancing the formulation and delivery methods of plant volatiles The formulation and delivery methods of plant volatiles are critical for their effective utilization in pest control. Current research has shown that synthetic Green Leaf Volatiles (GLVs) can increase the release of sesquiterpenes in maize, although their impact on pest and beneficial insect attraction is limited (Mérey et al., 2011). Future research should focus on optimizing the concentration and delivery mechanisms of these volatiles to enhance their efficacy. Additionally, the development of advanced dispensers that can release volatiles in a controlled manner could improve the attraction of natural enemies and reduce pest damage. This approach could be integrated with existing pest management strategies to create a more robust and sustainable system. 7.2 Genetic engineering and the potential for volatile-producing maize Genetic engineering offers a promising avenue for enhancing the production of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in maize. Studies have demonstrated that genetically modified maize can emit specific volatiles that attract natural enemies of pests, thereby providing a biological control mechanism (Koš et al., 2013). However, the constitutive emission of these volatiles can have trade-offs, such as increased plant apparency to herbivores and compromised plant growth and yield (Robert et al., 2013). Future research should aim to balance these trade-offs by developing maize varieties that can induce volatile production in response to pest attacks rather than constitutively. This could involve the identification and manipulation of key genes involved in volatile biosynthesis and regulation (Pingault et al., 2021). 7.3 Collaboration between agronomists, entomologists, and chemists The successful implementation of plant volatiles for pest control requires a multidisciplinary approach. Collaboration between agronomists, entomologists, and chemists is essential to understand the complex interactions between plants, pests, and natural enemies. For instance, the integration of knowledge from genetic engineering, plant physiology, and chemical ecology can lead to the development of maize varieties with enhanced resistance to pests (Tamiru et al., 2015). Additionally, field trials and ecological risk assessments are necessary to evaluate the long-term impacts of these strategies on non-target organisms and overall ecosystem
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