Aerial Application of Pheromones for Mating Disruption of an Invasive Moth as a Potential Eradication Tool

Abstract

Biological invasions can cause major ecological and economic impacts. During the early stages of invasions, eradication is desirable but tactics are lacking that are both effective and have minimal non-target effects. Mating disruption, which may meet these criteria, was initially chosen to respond to the incursion of light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (LBAM; Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in California. The large size and limited accessibility of the infested area favored aerial application. Moth sex pheromone formulations for potential use in California or elsewhere were tested in a pine forest in New Zealand where LBAM is abundant. Formulations were applied by helicopter at a target rate of 40 g pheromone per ha. Trap catch before and after application was used to assess the efficacy and longevity of formulations, in comparison with plots treated with ground-applied pheromone dispensers and untreated control plots. Traps placed at different heights showed LBAM was abundant in the upper canopy of tall trees, which complicates control attempts. A wax formulation and polyethylene dispensers were most effective and provided trap shut-down near ground level for 10 weeks. Only the wax formulation was effective in the upper canopy. As the pheromone blend contained a behavioral antagonist for LBAM, ‘false trail following’ could be ruled out as a mechanism explaining trap shutdown. Therefore, ‘sensory impairment’ and ‘masking of females’ are the main modes of operation. Mating disruption enhances Allee effects which contribute to negative growth of small populations and, therefore, it is highly suitable for area-wide control and eradication of biological invaders.

Communication Disruption of <I>Epiphyas postvittana</I> (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) By Using Two Formulations at Four Point Source Densities in Vineyards

“…Further analysis of these data together with meteorological information may enable modeling of atmospheric pheromone concentrations required for disruption, which would allow a comparison with the values reported earlier for orchards (Suckling et al 1999a) and recent trials in pine forests (Brockerhoff et al 2012).…”

“…Bioties and SPLAT released the minor component at a slightly higher rate than the major component, but this also did not appear to have an impact on efÞcacy over 10 wk. In pine plantation trials with helicopter application of Hercon Bioßakes and SPLAT, SPLAT had the lowest presence of moths of all treatments, including polyethylene tubing dispensers (Brockerhoff et al 2012), at a range of heights (assessment included vertical trapping transects to 17 m). An earlier formulation of similar polyethylene dispensers prevented trap catch to synthetic lures for 9 mo under cool New Zealand conditions (Suckling and Shaw 1992).…”

“…All sex pheromone disruption formulations have different advantages, and SPLAT LBAM has been effectively applied by helicopter boom sprayer against light brown apple moth in New Zealand (Brockerhoff et al 2012) and by ground sprayer in U.S. vineyards (M.F.C., unpublished data). However, in this New Zealand vineyard, SPLAT was not permitted to be applied to plants or fruit.…”

Global range expansion of pest Lepidoptera requires socially acceptable solutions

“…However, mating disruption has been used in eradication programs against five species/subspecies of Lepidoptera (Lance et al 2016;Suckling 2015). There are emerging versatile semiochemical technologies with formulations for aerial or ground application, enabling rapid development in future (Brockerhoff et al 2012;Lance et al 2016;Mafra-Neto et al 2014).…”

Can we replace toxicants, achieve biosecurity, and generate market position with semiochemicals?

“…Ready adaptation could follow when the need arises for a new tool to deal with an incursion. An example of such a versatile matrix is the Specialised Pheromone And Lure Application Technology, or SPLAT™ (Brockerhoff et al, 2012;Mafra-Neto et al, 2013).…”