An attractant is a substance or signal that draws organisms towards it, often used in various fields such as biology, agriculture, and pest control. These substances can be chemical, visual, or auditory cues that appeal to specific species, encouraging them to approach or investigate. For example, flowers produce nectar as an attractant to lure pollinators like bees and butterflies.
In pest management, attractants are used to trap unwanted insects by enticing them into traps. These can include pheromones, which are chemical signals released by one organism to influence the behavior of another. By understanding and utilizing attractants, researchers and farmers can improve crop yields and manage pest populations effectively.