POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY TO CONTROL ADULT NOCTUID PESTS WITH PLANT ATTRACTANTS - INTRODUCTION

A discussion is presented on the need for alternative control strategi es for Helicoverpa tea (Boddie) and other noctuids to supplement tradi tional insecticidal control that targets larval stages of the insects. A rationale is presented for developing control strategies focusing o n adult control which use attracticide formulations comprised of feedi ng attractants, stimulants, and toxicants. Volatile chemicals identifi ed from blooms of natural adult food sources of H. zea adults, includi ng Gaura spp. and other plants, would provide the basis for the attrac tant. This control technology could be implemented on an area-wide bas is as a means of effecting an efficient insect control mechanism havin g less dependence on insecticides.