Pheromone-based communication disruption ofAdoxophyes orana on peach using the new RAK 3+4 dispensers and their effect on development of fruit rot diseases

Abstract

The effectiveness of the pheromone-based communication disruption method was examined against the summerfruit tortrix, Adoxophyes orana F.v.R. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a pest of peach trees, using the new RAK 3+4 dispenser (BASF). No A. orana males were captured in pheromone traps inside the experimental orchards, which were saturated with the RAK 3+4 dispensers. The percent of damaged leaves was practically zero, while the level of damaged fruits was 0-6% in pheromone-treated orchards. The percentage of fruit rot caused by Monilinia laxa was lower in pheromone-based communication disruption orchards than in the control. It was concluded that the RAK 3+4 dispenser could be used against A. orana as an economical and environmentally friendly method.