Solid Matrix Dispensers for Semiochemical-Based Pest Management in Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review

Semiochemicals can provide species-selective pest monitoring and behavioral control, but their volatility, chemical instability, and sensitivity to field conditions make delivery technology decisive for efficacy. This narrative review examines solid matrix dispensers as coupled material–device–environment systems for controlled release of semiochemicals, distinguishing various materials and their characteristics, physicohemical properties, and the assumptions and limitations of commonly used kinetic models. Comparative evidence across applications indicates that performance depends on matching emission rate and spatial distribution to pest phenology, density, crop architecture, and landscape context. Conventional polymers remain technically effective, whereas biodegradable matrices, electrospun fibers, porous solids, smart monitoring, and automated deployment offer promising but unevenly mature alternatives. Future progress requires standardized reporting, mechanistically informed design, multisite validation, and lifecycle and economic assessment that connect material properties to biologically effective plumes and crop-level outcomes.