| Citation | Distinguished for his world-leading contribution to the study of insect chemical ecology involving the identification of chemical signals (semiochemicals) mediating interactions between insects and between insects and plants. By applying new techniques to the identification of semiochemicals, he made the first chemical characterisation of mosquito and aphid sex pheromones, mostly comprising novel chemical structures. Numerous semiochemicals were identified for other insects in the Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera, often with novel structures and at very low levels (ca ng) He was first to report synergy between a pheromone and plant-derived semiochemicals, a phenomenon now regarded as widespread. His studies on aphid semiochemicals have transformed the view of the chemical ecology of these insects and have established the importance of volatile signals. He was the first to investigate high fluorine substitution in pheromones: this has provided insight into molecular interactions at pheromone receptors. He pioneered propheromones as a way of dealing with the instability of pheromones in the field and devised novel structures that release pheromones under the influence of sunlight. His promotion of the integration of semiochemicals with other natural regulatory agents e.g. insect pathogens for pest control, has had an impact far beyond the scientific community. His rigorous scientific approach to chemical ecology has contributed to a greater understanding of natural and agricultural ecosystems and to minimising the impact of human activities on such systems. |