What is the role of pheromones in pest management?

Pheromones play an important role in pest management by disrupting the mating patterns of pests. These chemical substances are naturally produced and released by one individual and are detected by others of the same species, often serving as a way to communicate. In pest management, synthetic pheromones can be used to confuse male insects or lure them into traps, thereby reducing the population by hindering successful mating. This strategy is an effective, environmentally friendly method of controlling pest populations, as it targets specific pests without harming beneficial insects or the surrounding ecosystem.

The other options, while relevant to agricultural practices, do not align with the specific function of pheromones in pest management. Pheromones are not intended to kill pests on contact, enhance plant growth, or provide nutritional support for plants, which highlights the unique role they play in integrated pest management strategies.