Insect pheromone olfaction: new targets for the design of species-selective pest control agents

Insects communicate extensively with chemical signals specific to their species (pheromones). The highly sensitive and selective olfactory system involved in detection of these signals has attracted attention as a target for the design of novel pest control agents. This review summarizes efforts in understanding the structure-activity relationships of pheromone olfaction and in the design of compounds that selectively interfere with transport, recognition and degradation of pheromones in the peripheral olfactory system. Pheromone olfaction inhibitors are potential environmentally benign insect control agents.