Beneficial insect attractants and dispensers for enhanced insect biological control in organic food production

This SBIR Phase I project will develop beneficial insect attractants for the organic farming industry. The semiochemical attractant system being developed will include a powerful synergistic attractant mixture for key predacious insects and a controlled release device to deliver the attractants efficiently. The broader/commercial impact of the project will be to enhance the efficacy of beneficial insects either naturally or artificially applied especially in organic agriculture. Development of this semiochemical attractant for the husbandry of major beneficial insects will be useful for the conservation and augmentation of key wild natural enemies with minimal adverse environmental impact. A significant reduction of pest damage and an increase in organic food production will result.