Chemical giant BASF has launched Apthena, a biological solution to enhance integrated pest management strategies. Apthena isn’t a control agent. Indeed, (E)-β-farnesene (EBF) is an insect attractant that helps draw aphid predators to their prey. Many predator insects rely on kairomones to detect prey, picking up their presence through the chemical signals they release. A naturally occurring compound, its chemical signal alerts predators to their presence but it can also disperse aphid populations. “Apthena is a tool as part of an IPM strategy,” said BASF business development manager Robert Storer. “A semiochemical, it is a behavioural changer not a ‘cide’…