| Abstract
| - One of the major problems in studies on olfaction is that of defining a relevant stimulus. In the context of insect sex pheromones, this problem is that of defining a phermone component. In recent years, a wealth of information has been obtained on the biosynthetic pathways by which sex pheromones are produced. Several rules have emerged that have allowed generalizations concerning the evolution of phermone blends within taxonomic groups. Several advances in analytical techniques have allowed precise and reliable identification of sex pheromones With the appropriate technology and the knowledge obtained from comparative studies between taxonomic groups, it is now possible to determine with a high degree of accuracy what the pheromone for a species is, and thus to define precisely the relevant stimulus for behavioral and electrophysical studies.
|
