Air permeation tests with (Z,Z)-3,13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate for reduction in trap catch of peachtree and lesser peachtree borer moths

Abstract

Air permeation trials were conducted to determine whether trap catches of the peachtree borer (PTB)Synanthedon exitiosa (Say) and lesser peachtree borer (LPTB)S. pictipes (Grote and Robinson) could be reduced through application of the synthetic pheromone of the PTB, (Z,Z)-3,13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate (Z,Z-ODDA), at 92% isomeric purity. The pheromone was released into the air of peach orchard test plots with hanging laminated plastic dispensers or hollow fiber dispensers in the trees and by aerial dispersal of microcapsules containing a solution of the lure. Results showed that all formulations ofZ, Z-ODDA reduced trap catches of both PTB and LPTB in treated plots relative to catches in traps in untreated plots. In one air permeation experiment, three types of laminated dispensers and one type of hollow fiber dispenser each reduced trap catch of PTB by 93-100% and of LPTB by 75-95%. In a separate test, two formulations of microencapsulatedZ,Z-ODDA did not reduce trap catch of male PTB as effectively as the laminated dispenser; results for LPTB were similar for both the dispensers and microcapsules. Catches of male PTB moths in traps baited with laminated and or fiber pheromone dispensers containing ODDA (94∶6%Z,Z∶E,Z) were not significantly different. LPTB male moths were also captured in these traps, the catches being dependent upon the initial pheromone loading and the type of dispensers.