Response of Tortricid Moths and Non-Target Insects to PheromoneTrap Color in Commercial Apple Orchards

Abstract

Pheromone traps are a widely-used tool for monitoring pest activity in commercial apple orchards. Studies were conducted to evaluate delta-style traps painted with different colors (orange, red, yellow, green, blue, and white) for capture of obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), and oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck), as well as nontarget muscoid flies (Diptera: Muscidae) and honeybees, Apis mellifera L. An additional study evaluated plastic, four-sided LepTrap® traps of various colors in comparison with a standard delta trap for capture of obliquebanded leafroller, oriental fruit moth, tufted apple bud moth (Platynota idaeusalis (Walker)), and codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.). Capture of obliquebanded leafroller and oriental fruit moth was not significantly affected by trap color. Capture of nontarget flies and honeybees tended to be higher in blue and white (both painted and unpainted) delta-style traps in New York apple orchards, although there was some variability in this response by orchard site. There were no differences in capture of 4 pest species in Pennsylvania between colored, plastic LepTrap® traps and standard unpainted white delta-style traps. Given the observed differences in nontarget capture and the improved efficiencies of finding traps placed within tree canopies, we recommend using yellow, red, or orange delta traps for monitoring of obliquebanded leafroller, oriental fruit moth, and tufted apple bud moth in apple production areas in the eastern United States.