Semiochemicals Semiochemical comes from the Greek word “semeon” that means “signal”. In the area of biological alternatives, semiochemical is a generic term used for a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message or elicits reactions between organisms. Semiochemicals can be either allelochemicals or pheromones based on whether the interactions that are caused are interspecific (i.e., between individuals of a species) or intraspecific (i.e., between individuals of different species), respectively. The chemicals (in both allelochemicals or pheromones) can act as arrestants, attractants, repellents, deterrents, stimulants, etc. Pheromones can elicit reactions such as alarm, aggregation or sex, the last one being the most important for IPM as it can disturb mating behavior of insects. More information on Semiochemicals can be found at: |
