2006/09/01 by S. M. Cook, Zeyaur R. Khan, John A. Pickett · 4 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Environmental Science · #Insect-Plant Interactions and Control #Insect and Pesticide Research #Forest Insect Ecology and Management
paper · doi:10.1146/annurev.ento.52.110405.091407
openalex publication_date 2006/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/02
Push-pull strategies involve the behavioral manipulation of insect pests and their natural enemies via the integration of stimuli that act to make the protected resource unattractive or unsuitable to the pests (push) while luring them toward an attractive source (pull) from where the pests are subsequently removed. The push and pull components are generally nontoxic. Therefore, the strategies are usually integrated with methods for population reduction, preferably biological control. Push-pull strategies maximize efficacy of behavior-manipulating stimuli through the additive and synergistic effects of integrating their use. By orchestrating a predictable distribution of pests, efficiency of population-reducing components can also be increased. The strategy is a useful tool for integrated pest management programs reducing pesticide input. We describe the principles of the strategy, list the potential components, and present case studies reviewing work on the development and use of push-pull strategies in each of the major areas of pest control.