Highlights, challenges, and perspectives in basic and applied chemical ecology of triatomines

• Published in: Current opinion in insect science 2023-10, Vol.59, p.101101, Article 101101
• Main Authors: Manrique, Gabriel, Rojas, Julio C, Lorenzo Figueiras, Alicia N, Barrozo, Romina B, Guerenstein, Pablo G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: attractants; Chagas disease; chemical ecology; insects; Triatominae
• ISSN: 2214-5745; 2214-5745
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101101

Triatomines are vectors of Chagas disease. Due to failures in their control, there is an urgent need for more efficient and environmentally friendly monitoring and control tools. These hematophagous insects rely heavily on chemical information from the environment to detect hosts and cues/signals from conspecifics. Chemical ecology includes the elucidation of the functional role of chemicals mediating interactions between organisms. Studies on the chemical ecology of triatomines are leading to novel methods for their monitor and control. Thus, laboratory tests to develop chemical attractants and repellents are promissory and have led to the design of, for example, efficient baited traps. However, the monitoring and control tools proposed until now have not been as effective in the field. •Triatomines are vectors of Chagas disease in the Americas.•Monitoring and control tools for triatomines are needed.•Several chemically baited traps are successful in capturing triatomines in the lab.•Several volatile and nonvolatile repellents have shown promise in the lab.•The low efficiency of the chemicals in the field suggests that lab tests should be improved.