Optimization of the sex pheromone-based method for trapping field populations of Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) in South China

Abstract

Despite the identification of the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) sex pheromone, no effective application based on this pheromone has yet been developed and evaluated. This study investigated the effect of pheromone lures, trap densities, heights of trap deployment, and pheromone doses in Yunnan, China, for the purpose of increasing the control efficiency of P. operculella and improving the application of pheromone technology in the field. The results showed that lures made of corn oil and red PVC pipes attracted the highest number of moths (11.73±1.90 per trap per day). Sex pheromone loading of 100 µg was optimal for trapping moths, but higher doses of pheromone inhibited attraction. The density of traps did not affect capture rates; therefore, the optimum trap density was 30–40 traps ha–1. The optimum height of trap deployment was not above the height of the plant canopy. This study provides technical details necessary for the monitoring and control of potato tuber moth using sex pheromones.