Mating disruption of codling moth Cydia pomonella with high densities of Ecodian sex pheromone dispensers

Abstract

A mating disruption approach using high densities of pheromone dispensers, has recently been proposed for controlling codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lep., Tortricidae). EcodianÒ CP dispensers, made of low-cost biodegradable material and easy to apply, were formulated with 10 mg of codlemone and placed at a rate of 1400-2000 dispensers/ha. Seasonal dispenser performance was evaluated using different methods. The release rate of new Ecodian dispensers, measured directly by solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME), was significantly higher than that of the standard monitoring lure. The release rate of field-aged dispensers decreased over time; it was comparable with that of the standard monitoring lure after 55-90 days of field exposure and significantly lower beyond. Electroantennographic (EAG) recordings showed that field-aged dispensers strongly stimulated virgin male mothsÕ antennae. Dispensers elicited close-range approaches in wind tunnel irrespective of their age. Traps baited with aged Ecodian CP dispensers captured males throughout the season. Our results demonstrate that Ecodian dispensers achieved a good level of activity and longevity over the season. Field trials carried out from 2002 to 2004 confirmed the efficacy of Ecodian CP dispensers for codling moth control, regardless of the size of the treated area. The potential of this strategy for the control of C. pomonella is discussed.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Sex Pheromones and Food Attractants Used to Monitor and Control Synanthedon Myopaeformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)

“…In a 3-year experiment with mating disruption against C. pomonella, mating disruption decreased fruit damage in plots larger than 1 ha (Angeli et al, 2007); in smaller plots, mating disruption was sufficient only when the population density of C. pomonella was low (Howell et al, 1992;Vickers et al, 1998). High efficacy of mating disruption against S. myopaeformis has been demonstrated in a 2-year experiment on 3.5 ha plots; in which, an 82.1 % reduction in the number of larvae per tree was found (Stüber and Dickler, 1987).…”

“…Mating disruption, based on deploying dispensers of synthetic sex pheromones to cause communication disruption between the sexes, is a widely used control strategy in a variety of ecosystems (Witzgall et al, 2010). Mating disruption in orchards has been achieved against Cydia pomonella (Angeli et al, 2007) and Grapholita molesta (Il´lchev et al, 2006).…”

Small Cages with Insect Couples Provide a Simple Method for a Preliminary Assessment of Mating Disruption

“…Moreover, their extensive use favours the development of resistant insect pests and harms beneficial insects, occasionally resulting in the outbreak of secondary pest species [4]. Social awareness of the drawbacks of these classical insecticides in the early sixties urged the biotechnological industry to develop safer and more ecologically friendly alternatives [5, 6].…”

Target and Non-Target Moth Species Captured by Pheromone Traps for Some Fruit Tortricid Moths (Lepidoptera)

“…From the 70s, the method known as mating disruption also develops, in which the sexual pheromones are used to direct control of certain pest species (e.g. Hrdý et al, 1990, Angeli et al, 2007, Falta et al, 2008, Bohnenblust et al, 2011. Therefore, efforts are being developed to synthesize the most selective artificial sexual attractants.…”