Research Trends and Farmers' Perspectives on Pheromone Traps in Rice Cultivation: A Scopus-Based Analysis and Sustainable Development Insights

Rice (Oryza sativa L.)is a cornerstone of global food security and a lifeline for millions of smallholder farmers, particularly in South and Southeast Asia (Sackey et al., 2025). As the principal staple crop of Bangladesh, rice cultivation occupies more than 75% of the country’sarable land and contributes significantly to employment, rural income, and nutritional security (Jamal et al., 2023). However, despite considerable advancements in agricultural technologies, the productivity of rice remains under persistent threat from biotic stresses, especially insect pests (González Guzmán et al., 2022). Among the most damaging are the yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis), and other lepidopteran pests, which are known to cause substantial yield reductions if not properly managed (Muppala & Guruviah, 2021). In response, farmers have traditionally relied heavily on chemical pesticides to control insect infestations. While pesticides provide immediate results, their indiscriminate and excessive use has led to a cascade of problems, including the development of pest resistance, resurgence of secondary pests, destruction of beneficial insects, environmental contamination, and human health hazards. The negative consequences of pesticide overuse have drawn attention to the urgent need for alternative, eco-friendly pest management strategies that are sustainable in the long term. In this context, pheromone-based pest control has emerged as a promising solution. Pheromones—chemically derived signaling compounds produced by insects—are used in traps to monitor, lure, and disrupt the mating behaviors of target pests (Rizvi et al., 2021). Pheromone traps are increasingly recognized for their specificity, environmental safety, and compatibility with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs (Arngon et al., 2023). In rice ecosystems, such traps have demonstrated effectiveness against major pests, such as the yellow stem borer, whose infestation can be difficult to detect until significant damage has already occurred (Hajjar et al., 2023). By enabling early warning and targeted pest control, pheromone traps contribute to reducing pesticide applications, thus lowering input costs and minimizing ecological harm.

In many developing countries, including Bangladesh, national agricultural research systems and extension agencies have promoted the use of pheromone traps, often in collaboration with international development partners (Togola et al., 2025). These efforts are grounded in the broader objective of achieving sustainable agricultural intensification—producing more with less environmental impact. Yet, despite the proven benefits of pheromone technology, the rate of adoption among rice farmers remains relatively low. Several factors may account for this, including limited farmer awareness, weak extension support, inconsistent trap availability, and doubts about effectiveness under real field conditions. Furthermore, farmers’ perceptions and experiences with pheromone traps—especially their perceived ease of use, reliability, and profitability—play a critical role in determining the likelihood of adoption, but these socio-behavioral dimensions are often underrepresented in scientific research. At the same time, academic interest in pheromone traps as a sustainable pest management tool has grown significantly over the past two decades. Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different pheromone blends, trap designs, deployment techniques, and their integration within broader pest management programs. However, existing literature tends to be fragmented, discipline-specific, and geographically scattered. A systematic mapping of global research trends can shed light on how the field has evolved, which regions and institutions are leading the research, what knowledge gaps persist, and how research can better align with farmers’ needs and sustainability objectives.

This article aims to bridge these two knowledge domains—scientific research and field-level practice—by combining a bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed literature with empirical insights from farmers in Bangladesh. The first component employs bibliometric tools to examine publication patterns, co-authorship networks, keyword trends, and thematic clusters in global pheromone trap research within rice cultivation. This enables the identification of influential scholars, emerging topics, and underexplored areas that warrant further investigation. The second component presents qualitative and quantitative findings from field surveys and interviews with rice farmers in the pheromone intervention areas of Bangladesh. It explores their awareness, attitudes, perceived benefits, limitations, and recommendations regarding pheromone trap use in their farming practices.

By integrating bibliometric evidence with grassroots perspectives, this study not only enhances understanding of the current state of pheromone trap research and adoption but also provides policy-relevant insights for promoting sustainable pest management. It contributes to global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Moreover, the article highlights the importance of farmer-centered innovation systems, participatory technology evaluation, and the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration in scaling up environmentally responsible agricultural technologies. In doing so, it offers a timely contribution to the discourse on agroecological transformation and resilient food systems.