OLD WINE IN NEW SKINS: ARE WE BREAKING THROUGH THE GLASS CEILING IN PHEROMONE COMMERCIALIZATION

Philipp KIRSCH, IPM Technologies Inc., PO Box 509, West Linn OR 97068 USA


In 1992, at the IOBC Pheromone Workgroup meeting in San Michele, Italy, this author presented the idea that a glass ceiling is preventing the ongoing advancement of mating disruption, both in science and commercialisation. While a high degree of efficacy can be demonstrated, it is not consistent and commercialization seems very diff'cult. The paper concluded that further breakthroughs will only occur with the infusion of new ideas and completely new perspectives.

Considerable changes have occurred since presentation of this 1992 idea. As companies continue to expand and consolidate in random oscillation, ossified technologies are being rapidly superseded by new products. New trapping systems are taking market share in monitoring sectors, mass trapping is proving quite versatile in crop production. and pheromone insecticide combinations are finally proving considerable utility in convent~onal pest inanagement. In the specific area of mating disruption, breakthroughs have resulted t'rcnn the development of radically new dispensers, and by the implementation of blends that manipulate a broader range of target pest behaviour.

While discussing such advances, this paper will present an analysis of the current global semiochemical industry. and discuss the different factors that are affecting implementation and establishment of semiochemical products. The analysis will I review applications in monitoring, mass trapping, mating disruption and attract and kill, and 2. review seiniochemical usage in agriculture, government detection and area-wide eradication, commercial pest management and forestry.

What does it take to be successful in the commercial pheromone world?


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