Behavioural manipulation of the cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala L): Prospects for push-pull...

The cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB, Psylliodes chrysocephala L) is a major pest of oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L), especially in temperate regions where it is challenging the sustainable production of the crop. Conventional management has relied almost exclusively on synthetic insecticides, yet increasing regulatory restrictions, pest resistance and environmental concerns require the urgent development of alternative strategies. Semiochemicals, chemical cues that mediate inter- and intraspecific behavioural interactions, offer considerable potential for integration into push-pull pest management programmes, where combinations of attractant and deterrent or repellent stimuli are used synergistically to reduce crop pest infestation. This review synthesises knowledge of olfaction in CSFB and their behavioural responses to plant-derived and other bioactive compounds, as well as to synthetic analogues that attract or repel the pest. Glucosinolates, which are non-volatile, and their volatile derivatives, isothiocyanates, have been shown to act as phagostimulants and attractants, respectively. Furthermore, companion planting with attractive host plant 'trap crops' has potential to suppress and divert pest pressure from the main OSR crop. By contrast, companion planting with non-host plant species, as well as the application of plant solvent extracts and plant-derived hormones, has been demonstrated to repel, deter and/or induce antifeedant effects in CSFB, respectively. Although these approaches show great promise, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the identity of the chemicals involved, dose-dependent behavioural responses, and the interplay between visual, olfactory and tactile cues in CSFB host selection, feeding and oviposition behaviours. Addressing these gaps could inform the design and development of targeted semiochemical-based interventions that are effective, environmentally benign and compatible with integrated pest management. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.