PHEROMONESticky traps baited with live virgin females of the California red scale, placed in citrus groves to capture male scales, also attracted parasitic wasps of Aphytis spp.The number of wasps captured per trap (> 500) reached up to 75 % of all insects caught in some citrus groves not treated with pesticides.

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Preliminary field trials on the control of Prays citri (Milli6re) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) by mass trapping were carried out from 1976 using synthetic sex pheromone (Z-7-tetradecenal) baited traps. A clear tendency was revealed for a reduction in flower infestation by the larvae of this pest, providing that the minimum required number of traps (120 per ha) were employed and maintained throughout the entire year. In 1980-1983, commercial field trials were conducted over 30 ha of lemon trees. Rubber septa dispensers were loaded with 0.5-0.6 mg synthetic pheromone and refilled every four months. For comparison, about 30 ha lemon trees were sprayed 3-6 times a year with an organophosphate (azinphos-methyl) insecticide treatment. One plot of 0.22 ha was used as control. Results from all three areas were compared for mean male catch per trap per day, mean number of moths emerging per flower, and fruit yield for the two years prior to the trials and the three years of the trials in all plots. Lemon trees without control measures showed a decline in fruit yield. Controlling the moth by mass trapping of males, was significantly (P < 0.05) cheaper and somewhat more efficient than spraying 3-6 times/year with insecticides.

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