What role do pheromones play in pest management?

Pheromones play a significant role in pest management by serving as chemical signals that attract and sometimes repel specific pests. The correct answer emphasizes their primary use in trapping specific insects, particularly during monitoring and control strategies. By using synthetic versions of these natural pheromones, traps can lure targeted pest species, allowing for effective population monitoring and management. This approach can significantly reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable pest management tactic.

The other options, while they may refer to different aspects of pest or plant management, do not accurately represent the function of pheromones. For instance, pheromones are not used to enhance plant growth or act as fertilizers; instead, they specifically target insect behavior. Moreover, while some pheromones can have repellent qualities, their primary role in pest management revolves around attraction for trapping purposes. This targeted approach allows for more precise and effective control of pest populations.