ABSTRACT
The field application of semiochemicals, used by parasitoids to find mates and to locate their hosts, is a promising environmentally friendly and highly specific pest control strategy, and an attractive alternative to the use of pesticides. This chapter first examines research progress dealing with the effect of semiochemical cues on parasitoid foraging strategy. In the second part, the possible field applications of these chemical cues to enhance pest control strategies, either through direct pest control or by manipulating parasitoid behavior, are reviewed. Novel approaches, such as the “attract and reward” strategy, combining semiochemical application and habitat management to improve the success of pest management, are then discussed. Even if semiochemical-based tactics are promising in pest control, they still are developing and may face several constraints leading to different challenges. Therefore, the last part of this chapter draw attention to the potential limitations and risks of semiochemicals application in the field. Finally, potential solutions to overcome these different constraints are proposed.
