AbstractThis chapter highlights the pathway followed by the late Ron Prokopy, who tenaciously attempted to bridge the considerable gap between basic behavioural studies and crop protection applications, and whose research programme serves as a model system for others. Although Ron Prokopy aimed to serve New England apple growers and aid them in implementing a stepwise progression of increasingly sophisticated integrated pest management strategies, his research was of broader behavioural application, geographical scope and scientific interest. The early published results of basic behavioural studies by Ron Prokopy are discussed and the advances he and others have made toward the development of effective behavioural-based monitoring and management strategies for the apple maggot fly (Rhagoletis pomonella) and the plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) are highlighted. Suggestions are also given for research questions that still remain but must be addressed to meet the ultimate goal. The importance of fundamental studies on insect behaviour as the basis for novel crop protection applications is discussed, and how this approach can be applied to other key pests and cropping systems.