What Is Biotechnical Pest Control?
What Is Biotechnical Pest Control?
Biotechnical pest control refers to pest management methods that disrupt the natural behavior of pests—such as mating, feeding, or sheltering—by using certain artificial or naturally derived substances that influence their biological, visual, or behavioral characteristics.
One of the most important advantages of biotechnical methods is theirhigh level of species specificity. They target specific pest species without causing significant side effects on beneficial organisms or non-target species.
Another key advantage for growers is that biotechnical control applications generallydo not require complex equipment or machinery, while their effects can last for a relatively long period. In trap-based systems, pheromone dispensers can be replaced while the trap body continues to be used, which significantly reduces long-term pest management costs.
Beyond these benefits, one of the greatest contributions of biotechnical pest control to plant health is that itdoes not create pesticide residue problems.
Although pheromones and traps may involve some initial costs, they areenvironmentally safe and pose virtually no risk to human health, beneficial organisms, or the ecosystem.
Biotechnical control methods alsowork synergistically with biological control agents, strengthening the overall effectiveness of integrated pest management systems. Therefore, biotechnical pest control products and methods play akey role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
Advantages of Biotechnical Pest Control
The main advantages of biotechnical pest control can be summarized as follows:
Environmentally friendly
Does not cause pesticide residue problems
Long-lasting effectiveness
Safe and user-friendly
Suitable for organic farming
Highly compatible with integrated pest management strategies
Does not require complex machinery for application
Easy storage and handling
Possibility of reuse in some trap systems
Allows visible monitoring of pest populations through trap systems
What Is a Pheromone?
Pheromones are chemical substances released by insects to attract individuals of the same species, particularly for mating purposes.
During the mating period, female insects release specific chemical scents that attract male insects. Each insect species has its own unique pheromone signal. For example, the pheromone released by thegrapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) will not attract thecodling moth (Cydia pomonella).
Use of Pheromones in Pest Management
Species-specific pheromone compounds can be synthetically produced and placed intocapsules or dispensers, which are then used in various trap systems for pest management.
In agricultural pest control, pheromones are generally used in three main ways:
Monitoring
Monitoring is used to track the emergence and population density of pest species in a specific area. Traps are checked regularly—usually once per week—and the number of captured insects provides valuable information such as adult population levels and pest emergence timing. This information helps determine the most appropriate time for control measures.
Mating Disruption
In this method, species-specific pheromones are released into the environment in targeted agricultural areas. The air becomes saturated with pheromone signals, making it difficult for male insects to locate females. As a result, mating is disrupted and pest reproduction is significantly reduced.
Mass Trapping
Mass trapping aims to reduce pest populations by placing a large number of pheromone-baited traps throughout the production area. These traps attract and capture large numbers of pests, thereby lowering their population levels.