Sex pheromone traps for detecting and monitoring the raisin moth,cadra figulilella,in date palm plantations

Field tests were carried out to determine whether pheromone traps, baited with (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9,E12-14:Ac) impregnated in rubber septa (Maavit, Israel), could provide a reliable tool for monitoring the raisin moth,Cadra figulilella (Gregson), in date palm plantations. No significant differences were detected between captures of males in traps baited with 1 or 10 mg pheromone/dispenser. However, traps baited with 1 mg pheromone captured significantly more males than those baited with 0.1 mg pheromone/dispenser. No differences were found between captures of males in traps hung at a height of 8 m (near the bunches) or 2–3 m (on palm trunks). Two peaks of male capture were detected, one in May-June and the other during September-October (ripening period). Results indicate a positive relationship between captures in traps and infestation levels by larvae. Pheromone traps baited with 1 mg Z9,E12–14:Ac impregnated in rubber septa and hung on palm trunks (at a height of 2–3 m), were very useful for monitoringC. figulilella populations and for determining the accurate timing of insecticide applications.     

Effects of pheromone loading, dispenser age, and trap height on pheromone trap catches of the oriental fruit moth in apple orchards

The effects of field aging (0–28 days) and pheromone loading rate on the longevity of red rubber septa loaded with the sex pheromone blend of the oriental fruit mothGrapholita molesta (Busck), were evaluated in North Carolina apple orchards in 2002. Separate field tests examined the influence of trap height and pheromone loading rate of rubber septa on trap catches of adultG. molesta males in an abandoned orchard. The loss of the major pheromone component, (Z)-8-dodecenyl acetate (Z8–12:OAc), from red rubber septa over a 4-week period exhibited a relatively constant release rate with 30, 100 and 300 μg pheromone. Trap catch was significantly higher in pheromone traps placed in the upper canopy than in those in the lower canopy. Pheromone traps baited with 100μg lures caught more moths compared with those loaded with 300 μg. There was no apparent relationship between pheromone trap catch and septa age, with trap catch appearing to be primarily a function ofG. molesta population density. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting May 14, 2006.     

Night observations on the cotton leafworm,Spodoptera littoralis: Reliability of pheromone traps for population assessment and efficacy of widely separated pheromone dispensers for mating disruption

Night observations on the cotton leafworm,Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were conducted in pheromone-treated and untreated plots in which males, females, mating pairs on plants, and males caught in traps were collected. Results indicated that emergence of a new population was rapid (8-9 days) and that the number of virgin females and of mating pairs on plants reached a peak 5–6 days prior to that of males captured in pheromone traps. Males responded to pheromone traps most actively when the actual virgin female popution had already declined considerably. Dispensers adsorbed with(Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl acetate and located 25 m apart, effectively reduced male captures in traps. However, the number of native mating pairs observed in the treated field during the night was not reduced. Few releasers at wide spacing, even with high amounts of the major pheromonal component, were ineffective in causing mating disruption ofSpodoptera littoralis.     

Regional differences in pheromone responses of diamondback moth in Indonesia

Trap captures with two‐ and three‐component blends of synthetic sex pheromone for the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), were assessed in Indonesia. In West Java, the two‐component blend containing 10g of (Z)‐11‐hexadecen‐1‐ol acetate and (Z)‐11‐hexadecena| in a 4:6 ratio captured the greatest number of diamondback moths. Three and five virgin females were more attractive than the two‐component lures, which were as attractive as lures that also contained (Z)‐9‐tetradecen‐1‐ol acetate. In North Sulawesi, a 100 g dose of the two‐component blend attracted more males than the 10 g dose but was not significantly more potent than five virgin females. These results suggests that pheromone production and bioactivity should be assessed in separate populations prior to attempts to develop pheromone‐based monitoring or mating disruption programmes.     

Catching Ips duplicatus (Sahlberg) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) with pheromone‐baited traps: optimal trap type,colour, height and distance to infestation

BACKGROUND: Field trapping experiments were carried out to evaluate effective trap characteristics for maximising Ips duplicatus (Sahlberg) catches in pheromone‐baited traps in China. RESULTS: Window‐slot and cross‐barrier traps had significantly higher catches than multiple‐funnel traps. The colour of window‐slot traps showed a significant effect on catches, with dark colours (black and red) being more effective than light colours, especially white and yellow. Window‐slot traps at a 1.5–2.0 m level caught more beetles than those at either ground level (0–0.5 m) or at 3.5–4.0 m. Ips duplicatus can be attracted to pheromone‐baited traps over a distance of > 100 m from the forest edge in an open grassy field. There was a strong diurnal pattern of flight activity, with catches on window‐slot traps occurring during the daytime with one broad peak at mid‐ to late afternoon. The seasonal flight activity of I. duplicatus as monitored by pheromone‐baited window‐slot traps during 2007–2008 indicated that three major flight peaks occurred in early June, late June–early July and late July respectively, suggesting the existence of a potential second generation. CONCLUSION: The optimal trap characteristics will improve the performance of pheromone‐baited traps as a critical monitoring or mass‐trapping tool to combat outbreaks of this pest species. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Optimum timing of insecticide applications against diamondback moth Plutella xylostella in cole crops using threshold catches in sex pheromone traps

Field trials were conducted in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata), cauliflower (B oleracea var botrytis) and knol khol (B oleracea gongylodes) crops at two different locations in Karnataka State (India) to optimize the timing of insecticide applications to control the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, using sex pheromone traps. Our results indicate that applications of cartap hydrochloride as insecticide during a 12–24 h period after the pheromone traps had caught on average 8, 12 and 16 males per trap per night in cabbage, cauliflower and knol khol, respectively, were significantly more effective than regular insecticide sprays at 7, 9, 12 or 15 days after transplantation. This was demonstrated by estimation of the mean number of eggs and larvae per plant, the percentage of holes produced, as well as the marketable yield of the three crops at each location. A good correlation between the immature stages, infestation level, the estimated crop yield and the number of moths caught in pheromone traps was also found, indicating the usefulness of pheromone‐based monitoring traps to predict population densities of the pest. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Field evaluation of synthetic sex pheromone traps for the cocoa mirid Sahlbergella singularis (Hemiptera: Miridae)

BACKGROUND: Field trapping experiments were conducted to evaluate the attractiveness of five different pheromone blends as well as the impact of trap design on attractiveness towards cocoa mirids, Sahlbergella singularis Hagl. and Distantiella theobroma (Dist.), in Cameroon. RESULTS: A total of 361 adults of S. singularis (359 males and two females) were caught. The highest numbers of mirids were found in traps with pheromone blends that combined a monoester and a diester, compared with traps with the diester or the monoester individually and control traps with no pheromone. Rectangular traps caught significantly more mirids compared with delta traps. The mean number of 5.1 mirids trap^?1 year^?1 caught in rectangular traps was significantly higher compared with the 1.8 mirids trap^?1 year^?1 for the delta traps. CONCLUSION: The data revealed that rectangular traps containing pheromone blends combining both the monoester and the diester have a good potential to lure and trap adult males of S. singularis on cocoa farms. The pheromone blends used were specific for S. singularis, and the use of pheromone traps appears to be a promising strategy for incorporation into integrated pest management strategies for the monitoring or even the control of S. singularis in cocoa plantations. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Development of single-dispenser pheromone suppression of Epiphyas postvittana, Planotortrix octo and Ctenopseustis obliquana in New Zealand stone fruit orchards

BACKGROUND: Pheromones of two native leafrollers of economic importance to the New Zealand horticulture industry, Planotortrix octo [(Z)‐8‐tetradecenyl acetate and tetradecyl acetate] and Ctenopseustis obliquana [(Z)‐5‐tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)‐8‐tetradecenyl acetate], were reinvestigated and combined with pheromone of Epiphyas postvittana [light‐brown apple moth, (E)‐11‐tetradecenyl actetate and (E, E)‐9,11‐tetradecen‐1‐yl acetate] to develop a single dispenser for mating disruption of three pest species for integrated pest management. RESULTS: Additional compounds identified from pheromone gland extracts were characterised as repellents for P. octo. However, for C. obliquana from Central Otago, a change in ratio of (Z)‐5‐tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)‐8‐tetradecenyl acetate and the addition of three compounds found in the gland (dodecyl acetate, tetradecyl acetate and hexadecanal) led to a significant improvement in catch over previous lures. Males from Central Otago showed antennal electrophysiological responses to hexadecanal, unlike C. obliquana from Auckland, which did not. Three multiple‐species disruption blends were devised in a single dispenser to target E. postvittana, P. octo and C. obliquana. Disruption of traps was recorded in single‐tree replicates with all three blends, but the five‐component blend was overall most effective at disruption and was deployed area wide in commercial orchard plots. CONCLUSIONS: Deployment of single dispensers into commercial stone fruit orchards led to disruption of trapping for the three species and measurable reductions in insecticide use in cherries, peaches and nectarines without increased fruit damage (assessed in apricots). Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

甜菜夜蛾性信息素组分的鉴定及其田间试验

采用气相色谱仪(GC)及气质联用仪(GC-MS)等技术对我国甜菜夜蛾性信息素组分的鉴定结果表明,雌蛾性信息素腺体中含有4种组分,分别为Z9,E12-14:Ac(A)、Z9-14:OH(B)、Z9-14:Ac(C)和Z9,E12-14:OH(D);田间和室内种群各组分的比例(A:B:C:D)分别为47:18:18:17和43:18:23:16,比例及滴度在两种群间未有显著差异;雄蛾田间引诱测定表明,组分A、B显示性信息素活性。几种不同配比的硅橡胶塞诱芯在田间均显示极高的诱蛾活性,以9:1的AB二元诱芯(剂量100μg)最高,其诱蛾量与黑光灯相当,两者呈显著的正相关性,表明该诱芯可替代黑光灯用于甜菜夜蛾的种群测报。利用性诱捕器进行田间种群监测显示,1999年浙江省慈溪市的甜菜夜蛾共发生6代,以第4、5代发生量最高。     

(Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and 1-undecanol increase male attraction to sex pheromone trap in Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The effects of host-plant volatiles (HPVs) on male oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), and response to sex pheromone trap were studied in a pear orchard. Two HPVs compounds, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and 1-undecanol, combined with sex pheromone of G. molesta in traps were tested. The results showed that most of the male moths were captured in the traps baited with the sex pheromone combined with these two HPVs compounds than by the pheromone alone. Also, more males were captured by the trap containing pheromone plus (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate than by the one containing 1-undecanol. It appeared that these HPVs act as sex pheromone synergists to enhance the attraction of male G. molestato pheromone traps, since males were not captured in the traps baited only with (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and/or 1-undecanol.     

Efficacy of the pear ester as a monitoring tool for codling moth Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in New Zealand apple orchards

BACKGROUND: The behavioural response of both sexes of codling moth, Cydia pomonella to the pear-derived kairomone (ethyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate), codling moth sex pheromone (E,E-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol), and sex pheromone combined with the pear derived kairomone loaded into red rubber septum were investigated in trapping experiments in New Zealand apple orchards. A range of 0.01-10.0 mg of pheromone loading in rubber septum dispensers was tested and the highest catch of males was in traps baited with 1.0 mg. No dose response in trap catch of males was seen in traps baited with different amounts of pear-derived kairomone (0.01-10.0 mg). RESULTS: The number of females caught was significantly affected by the amount of pear derived kairomone used to bait traps, with the highest catch obtained at 10 mg loading. The attractiveness of sex pheromone was not enhanced by the addition of the kairomone either when used in the same bait or in a separate bait. The mean number of males captured in traps was reduced by 44% when the pheromone and kairomone were combined at ratio of 1:1 (0.1 mg pheromone: 0.1 mg kairomone) in separate sources. CONCLUSION: Kairomone baited traps showed some potential for monitoring the flight activity of female C. pomonella in apple orchards in two locations (Canterbury and Hawke's Bay). However, the number of male moths caught was low as compared to the number of male moths caught in pheromone-baited traps, and therefore the sex pheromone should continue to be used for monitoring male activity.     

Optimisation of the pheromone blend of the swede midge,Contarinia nasturtii,for monitoring

BACKGROUND: The swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii Kieffer, is a serious pest in crucifers. Its pheromone is a blend of (2S,9S)‐diacetoxyundecane, (2S,10S)‐diacetoxyundecane and (2S)‐acetoxyundecane. The pheromone is used in monitoring traps, and this study examines possible ways to optimise the traps. RESULTS: Two dispenser types were compared: polyethylene dispensers and cotton dispensers. Polyethylene dispensers attracted male C. nasturtii for more than 6 weeks, whereas cotton dispensers were attractive for only 2 weeks. All three pheromone components were important for attraction of male midges in the field. The importance of the stereoisomeric compositions of the pheromone compounds was also tested—both in the wind tunnel and in the field. In the case of 2,9‐diacetoxyundecane and 2‐acetoxyundecane, the non‐natural stereoisomers did not inhibit male C. nasturtii attraction, whereas one or both of the stereoisomers of 2,10‐diacetoxyundecane did. CONCLUSION: Pheromone traps with the synthetic pheromone in a 1:2:0.02 ratio emitted from PE dispensers were highly effective and long lasting. As the mixture of stereoisomers of 2,10‐diacetoxyundecane strongly inhibited attraction of male C. nasturtii while those of 2,9‐diacetoxyundecane and 2‐acetoxyundecane did not have any inhibitory effect, it is possible to produce traps that are effective and long lasting but cheaper to produce and maintain. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Field trial on the effects of the herbicide MCPA on ixodid ticks

Abstract

Studies were conducted to develop a pheromone‐trap monitoring system for the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius), in sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., fields in four states: Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas. The present studies examined the attractiveness of sex pheromone synthesized by two sources (USDA and AgriSense) and pheromone of different purities (75–99%) to weevils in the field. In all but one trial, weevil counts did not differ between traps baited with pheromone from the two sources for each of two doses (10 and 100 μg). Percentages of weevils caught per replicate per sample date were not consistently positively correlated with purity (significant in four of 10 trials); however, slope estimates were steeper in regions with lower trap counts (North Carolina and Louisiana) than in those with higher trap counts (Florida). Because the pheromone will be used to monitor weevils In both weevil‐free and weevil‐infested regions, the use of pheromone with a purity level >99% is most appropriate. The importance of these data in pheromone‐trap monitoring programmes for this weevil worldwide is discussed.     

Sex pheromone traps for monitoring the honeydew moth,Cryptoblabes gnidiella: Effect of pheromone components,pheromone dose,field aging of dispenser,and type of trap on male captures

The effects of pheromone components, pheromone dose in the dispenser, aging of dispenser in the field, and trap type on trapping efficiency of males of the honeydew moth,Cryptoblabes gnidiella (Mill.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), were investigated. At dosages of 2 or 0.2 mg, a binary blend containing (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11–16: Aid) and (Z)-13-octadecenal (Z13–18:Ald) (1:1) was as effective in attracting males as a quaternary blend containing Zll-16:Ald, (E)-11-hexadecenal (Ell-16:Ald), Z13–18:Ald and (E)-13-octadecenal (E13–18:Ald), (10:1:10:1). Within the range of 20 to 2000 μg pheromone/dispenser, response of males increased positively with the pheromone dose; however, a load of 10 or 20 mg/dispenser was significantly less attractive to males than 2 mg/dispenser. The effect of aging of the dispenser in the field on trapping efficiency was significant. Captures in traps baited with 3- and 4-week-old septa were lower than those in traps baited with 1- or 2-week-old septa. The gradual loss of attractancy exhibited by rubber septa indicates that septa should be renewed within 2-3 weeks. The release rate of the pheromone was measured in a flow system and monitored with Zl1– 16:Ald only. The emission was almost constant for 18 days and then decreased gradually until the 34th day. The nonsticky IPS trap was as effective in capturing honeydew moth males as the sticky Pherocon 1C trap. The possibility of using the nonsticky, non-saturating and easy-to-handle IPS traps may lead to better and easier monitoring of honeydew moth populations.     

Studies of the Pink Bollworm,Pectinophora gossypiella,on Sea Island Cotton in Barbados

Abstract

Barbados once grew large amounts of Sea Island cotton but the accidental introduction of pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in the 1920s, falling prices and rising costs led to the collapse of the industry. Falling sugar prices subsequently led to a revival of interest in the crop but pink bollworm still presented a problem and warranted investigation.

The synthetic sex pheromone of pink bollworm, gossyplure, was shown to attract far more males than hexalure or virgin females. Sticky traps needed stirring daily and were only able to catch about 50 males a night. Water, with a drop of liquid detergent, proved to be a suitable trapping medium and was cheaper than liquid paraffin although not quite as effective. The best type of trap from materials readily available was one made from a plastic half gallon ice cream container with lid and holes cut around the upper sides. Traps without the attractant caught very few moths. Gossyplure adsorbed onto rubber caps was attractive to pink bollworm males for over 56 days but the half-life appeared to be about 28 days. Best catches were obtained in cotton when the traps were suspended just below the tops of the plants and, within fields, traps at the leeward end caught more than traps elsewhere. Peak catches of males occurred before midnight in a black light trap whereas pheromone traps caught no males before midnight but peaked at 03.00h.

A close season during which no cotton is allowed to grow is a recognised means of reducing pink bollworm carryover between crops. This was practised in Barbados but island-wide pheromone trapping showed that moths were caught throughout the close season. This continuous trapping of moths indicated that pink bollworm must be breeding (short-cycle) in order to survive. Trapping and laboratory studies confirmed the presence of long-cycle pink bollworm which entered diapause towards the end of the cotton season as daylength increased. This diapause terminated with shortening days after the new season's rains commenced. The case for a four month close season is discussed.

Pheromone trap catches were shown to be very closely correlated with boll damage. Catches of 8–9 moths in a night represented a 10% level of boll damage some ten days later and this is the trapping level at which cotton growers are advised to begin insecticidal treatment.

Thorough residue destruction is the key to a good close season and a suitable method was needed for use under Barbadian conditions. The method finally chosen and proved on an estate scale was to cut down the standing cotton with a horizontal-rotary chain slasher, driving across the rows of cotton, the debris was then raked along the rows, stacked and burnt and finally the stumps were ploughed in, again across the rows.

The parasite Perisierola nigrifemur is very common in pink bollworm larvae towards the end of the season but too late to be of economic value. Predation of diapausing larvae by the mite Pyemotes ventricosus is very common at the end of the cotton crop and during the close season. Insecticidal application in Sea Island cotton which usually grows very tall (> 1.75m) and rank is best achieved with hand-held, battery-operated, u.l.v. sprayers. Control of pink bollworm can be obtained with carbaryl S formulations applied through these sprayers with the addition of a little water and molasses. Synthetic pyrethroids in u.l.v. formulations are also expected to provide control.     

Efficiency of pheromone traps for monitoring Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte

Mark–release–recapture trials with male western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) beetles were conducted to better understand capture data of pheromone traps produced in Europe during monitoring programmes. Median recapture rate in maize fields in Hungary, Italy and Switzerland was 10%. Two types of sex pheromone trap (sticky sheet and non‐sticky container traps), placed inside or outside maize fields, showed no differences in efficiency. Logit analyses of recapture data in maize showed that at distances of <1 m fewer than 20% of beetles ended up in the traps. A beetle in a 1 ha maize field would have about a 5% chance of being caught in a trap placed in the centre of the field.     

Informal Notes on the 4th East African Herbicide Conference at Arusha,Tanzania

Abstract

An IPM schedule using synthetic sex pheromone (Z‐3‐dodecenol‐E‐2‐butenoate) as the principal component against sweet potato weevil has been evaluated for the first time in India. The components of the IPM Programme were: (a) disinfecting the planting materials by dipping the slips in monocrotophos 0.05% for 10 min; (b) installation of pheromone traps from the first day of planting at 10 m distance (one trap/100 m²) to destroy the male weevils; and (c) re‐ridging the crop at 30 and 60 days after planting. The continuous elimination of the male population by pheromone traps in the treatment has resulted in a drastic decline in the population build‐up of the weevil and consequent reduction in the damage, leading to increased production of marketable tubers over 53%. In the first season weevil damage was reduced from 33% to 9.7% and in the second season from 39% to 9.5% by adopting the IPM schedule. The control field showed a four‐ to seven‐fold increase in the pest population (516 to 741 in the control and 114 to 128 in the treatment).     

Efficacy of two insecticides for protecting loblolly pines (Pinus taeda L.) from subcortical beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae and Cerambycidae)

BACKGROUND: Tests were conducted on two insecticides (carbaryl and bifenthrin) for excluding subcortical beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae and Cerambycidae) from loblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda L.). Two trap designs (single‐ and double‐pane windows) and two trapping heights (1.5 and 4 m) were also evaluated for maximizing beetle catches. RESULTS: In July 2009, 15 loblolly pine trees were double girdled and were either left unsprayed or sprayed with carbaryl or bifenthrin. A total of 28 473 bark beetles were caught in window traps, including Ips avulsus Eichoff, I. grandicollis (Eichhoff), I. calligraphus (Germar) and Dendroctonus terebrans (Olivier). Both insecticides significantly reduced colonization of the trees by bark and woodboring beetles by 300–400%, with no differences in efficacy observed between the two insecticides. About 59% more I. avulsus were caught in double‐ than in single‐pane window traps, with no differences for any other species. Traps at 4 m caught more I. avulsus and I. grandicollis (290 and 153% respectively), while traps at 1.5 m caught more D. terebrans (215%). CONCLUSIONS: Either bifenthrin or carbaryl can be used to exclude subcortical beetles from loblolly pine trees. Trapping data reflect known vertical partitioning on the bole by these insects. Double‐pane traps were slightly more effective than single‐pane traps in catching subcortical beetles. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Efficacy of carbofuran and phorate at different intervals of application for control of rice tungro

Abstract

The relationship between the catch of male Spodoptera litura (F.) moths in sex pheromone‐baited traps and the number of egg‐masses in groundnut crop at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi‐Arid Tropics Centre Patancheru, India was examined during the post‐rainy season of 1983. Significant positive correlations were found between the number of egg‐masses and the total number of male moths caught during the 7 days preceding the egg‐mass count. 75% of the variance in the egg‐mass counts and pheromone trap catches could be accounted for by the regression.     

The Effects of Atrazine in Maize-Wheat Rotations

Abstract

Catches of male moths of the Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), in light traps and pheromone traps were compared at an experimental site at Sakha (Kafr El-Sheikh Province, Egypt) between June and November 1976. The catches in the pheromone traps were generally higher than those in the light traps, although the difference ratio varied from month to month. It was concluded that pheromone traps provided a useful ecological tool for S. littoralis in Egypt.