Pheromone studies at the Plant Protection Institute, Budapest, during the last quarter of the past century

摘要: It goes without saying that the international boom in pheromone research which began late nineteen-sixties and early seventies would excite interest of sucha keen ethologist as T IBOR JERMY. Consequently, behavioural observations trapping withfemale-baited traps were soon initiated on several pest Lepidoptera at both Budapest Keszthely laboratories Institute. Monitoring trials with already known synthetic pheromones (i.e., codling moth Cydia pomonella L.; Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) conducted connection witha large sterile-male project supported part by International Atomic Energy Agency. Having joined Institute 1974, topic was suggested to me a line study 1975 TIBOR During first years, I lucky be able conduct experiments under his personal supervision – some cases own garden. JERMY’s acute observational prowess thorough organization experimental design, omitting no detail however unimportant it might seem be, impressed deeply had highly determining impact my later scientific career well, for influence cannot too grateful. Observations natural behaviour target insect is crucial importance studies. An outstanding example how direct observation events can lead novel understanding pheromonal regulation mating, even after decades intensive studies, readily shown work Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata SAY; Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) JERMY BUTT (1991). Consequently main objective studies our laboratory during those years description processes connected production response lepidopteran (mainly noctuid) pests, order gain evidence presence possible role courtship process. The publishable results obtained cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), where long-range female-produced pheromone, male-produced hairpencil could demonstrated (SZENTESI et al. 1975).