The Daily Bulletin Archive

Francis Webster, professor of chemistry at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, will present "Attract and Kill: A New Era for Insect Pheromones" at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30, in Science Building 272. An abstract of his talk appears below.

The Chemistry-Physics Seminar Series is supported by the Faculty-Student Association at Buffalo State.

Abstract
Insect pheromones and other semiochemicals were naturally envisioned as environmentally friendly agents for controlling pest insects. The original “magic bullet” theory of control proved untenable. However, great progress has been made in the use of insect pheromones in many products, and these products are either successful or show great promise in controlling pest insects. My research interests include the isolation and identification of insect pheromones, the practical synthesis of insect pheromones with emphasis on needed stereochemistry, and the use of pheromones in control products. My talk will touch on all three areas but with an emphasis on controlling insects using attract and kill products.