Manipulation of wavelength-dependent behaviour of insects: an IPM tool to impede insects and restrict epidemics of insect-borne viruses

Because of the inability to cure plant virus diseases and the need to protect the environment from toxic pesticides, alternative indirect strategies of disease control are required. In recent decades, virologists have developed non-pesticidal, cultural control practices aimed at reducing the damage caused by these virus diseases by interrupting their epidemiological cycle. Accumulated data on the cues of the host plants and environment associated with visual communication by insect vectors have facilitated the development of cultural practices that interfere with their search, landing and orientation to the crop. This review includes a description of visual cues affecting the phototactic response of insects and cultural practices developed to protect crops from insects and insect-borne viruses by disrupting their searching behaviour and response. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.