Sublethal effects of permethrin on the chemical communication system of the pink bollworm moth, Pectinophora gossypiella

Topically applied sublethal doses of permethrin can interrupt chemical communication between the sexes of Pectinophora gossypiella by affecting both the signaler and the responder. The probability of calling by females is reduced when they are treated with doses of permethrin which are much less than the LD₅₀. Similarly, key stages in the behavioral response of males to sex pheromone are effectively blocked at these low doses. Males recover from these effects 4 days after treatment, but calling by females is still significantly reduced at this time. Chemical control of P. gossypiella populations with permethrin may not be limited to mortality, and potentially includes effective control of behavioral aspects of chemical communication.