Biological pest control orchards

Another example of organic synthesis via cross-metathesis is the synthesis of biologically active compounds such as insect pheromones. Use of such pheromones offers an effective and selective pest control method. Thus, cross-metathesis of ethyl oleate with 5-decene results in a cis-trans mixture of ethyl 9-tetradecenoate, an insect pheromone precursor [15]. Cross-metathesis of methyl d.y-5-eicosenoate (obtained from meadowfoam oil) with excess 5-decene gives methyl tm 5-decenoate, which can be transformed into a 83 17 mixture of trani -5-decenylacetate and tran.y-5-decenol (in total 90% trans), the sex pheromone of the Peach Twig Borer moth, a major pest in Northern Hemisphere fruit orchards. The isomeric mixture was active in mating disruption [16]. Other examples of organic synthesis via cross-metathesis are summarised elsewhere [17 18]. 

Beneficiai Effect Adults and larvae of many species feed on aphids and soft-bodied pests some species prefer mealybugs, spider mites, or soft scales. Native lady beetles are important biological controls for aphids in gardens and orchards. In western regions. Stelhonis spp. provide excellent control of... 

IPM programs have been most effective for cotton, sorghum, peanuts, and fruit orchards, but less effective for corn and soybeans. Some of the biological controls include release of sterilized insect pests, use of insect pheromones to disrupt mating, release of natural predator pests, and use of natural insecticides. 

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