Pheromone pest control introduced

Pheromone, a non-toxic pest control, is being introduced to farmers in South Sulawesi. According to Sulaiman Ginting, a researcher on crop-destroying pests from Hetts Bio Lestari, pheromone works in the same way as pesticide, both derived from synthetic chemicals. “Both contain chemicals, but, in the pheromone case, they are non-toxic,” said Sulaiman yesterday at a promotional event in Makassar. Hetts Bio Lestari is a privately-owned institution headquartered in Medan, North Sumatra.

According to Sulaiman, the pheromone is installed in a trap which is suspended from branches. In contrast to the toxic which kills insects, pheromone will lure the insect to the trap. They will not be able to escape because they have been entrapped by the chemicals in the pheromone. Gradually, the pests die.

Burhanuddin Mustafa, the head of South Sulawesi Agriculture Office, who also attended the pheromone introduction event, said that his office will not immediately recommend the use of this type of pest control in South Sulawesi. According to Burhanuddin, there are still questions on its effectiveness because the use of pheromone is uncommon in Indonesia.

Burhanuddin will allow the researchers an opportunity to have the new pest control tested.