Male Moth Catches Research Articles

EVALUATION OF PHEROMONE-BAITED TRAPS AND PHEROMONE LURE CONCENTRATIONS FOR MONITORING BLUEBERRY LEAFTIER (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE) POPULATIONS

AbstractSix pheromone trap designs, including five high-capacily and a sticky trap, and four PVC lure concentrations of pheromone were evaluated for monitoring blueberry leaftier populations in six blueberry fields in Nova Scotia. Larval densities and subsequent male moth catches in the same year for all the trap designs evaluated, except double funnel traps, were highly correlated. Multipher III traps captured the highest number of moths, followed by Unitraps and double funnel traps. The ice cream container trap captured significantly fewer moths than any other trap design. At most locations, the first moth was caught on the same day in all the trap designs except the ice cream container trap. Trap catches increased with increasing pheromone concentration up to 0.03% dose. Traps baited with 0.3% lures captured significantly fewer moths than those with 0.003% or 0.03%. Based on mean trap catches, R2 values, coefficients of variation among traps, trap efficiency, and lure evaluations, the Unitraps baited with 0.003% lures are selected for further development of a population monitoring system for blueberry leaftier moths. The Multipher III traps baited with 0.03% lures captured up to 44 000 male moths (mean per trap per season) at high densities, demonstrating their potential in mass trapping blueberry leaftiers.

Predicting Seasonal Flight of European Pine Shoot Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Western Oregon

A linear regression model for predicting pheromone trap catch of male European pine shoot moth, Rhyacionia buoliana (Denis & Schiffermuller), based on accumulated heat units is presented. The model was developed from 3 yr of maximum–minimum air temperature and pheromone trap data collected in western Oregon during 1986–1988. Data collected the following years, 1989–1990, were used to evaluate the model. A lower threshold (base) temperature of −2.2°C was used in calculating daily degree-days since 1 January. The model successfully predicted accumulated male moth catch to within 1–3 d during 1989. Predicted degree-day requirements (above −2.2°C) are 1,712 for 10% catch, 1,958 for 50% catch, and 2,205 for 90% catch.

Aerial Concentrations of Gossyplure, the Sex Pheromone of the Pink Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in Cotton Fields Treated with Long-Lasting Dispensers

Samples of the air at the tops of cotton plants, Gossypium spp., treated with long-lasting dispensers containing gossyplure, the sex pheromone of the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), were pulled through adsorbent cartridges during day and night periods (0600–1800, 1800–0600 hours, respectively) and analyzed by gas chromatography for gossyplure content. The gossyplure was applied (≍1,000 dispensers containing 78 g [AI]/ha) at the pin-square or first flower stage of cotton. Air samples were taken during 3-d periods at approximately 1, 20, 40, and 60 d after treatment. Five Delta traps each baited with 1 mg of gossyplure were used to capture males in each test block. Day and night aerial concentrations of gossyplure in treated cotton fields, with few exceptions, were not significantly different. Average 24-h aerial concentration decreased to 1.4–2.0 ng/m 3 by day 60, regardless of initial concentration. Catches of male moths in the treated blocks were reduced 99.4–100% compared with controls during 60 d after treatment, indicating that aerial concentrations of ≥1.4 ng/m 3 of gossyplure generally prevented trap catch. The decreased release of gossyplure from dispensers over time is probably partially compensated for by greater retention of gossyplure in the developing plant canopy.

Predicting Regional Gypsy Moth (Lymantriidae) Population Trends in an Expanding Population Using Pheromone Trap Catch and Spatial Analysis

Populations of the gypsy moth ( Lymantria dispar (L.)) have been monitored in Michigan since 1985 using a permanent statewide grid of more than 2,000 pheromone traps. Trap catch data were analyzed using a computerized Geographic Information System (GIS). Using trap catch data from 1985 to 1987, a regression model (R2 = 0.79) was developed to predict adult male moth catch for 1987 using three risk levels of gypsy moth population densities (low, medium, and high). Trap catch data and data on defoliation were combined in the GIS, demonstrating that adult male moth catch can be a good indicator of potential defoliation in the following year. The regression model was then used to predict low, medium, and high risk areas for moth populations for the next year.

Comparison of Heliothis armigera (Hubner) male moth catches in light and pheromone traps at udaipur, rajasthan, India

Light and pheromone traps were compared for their relative efficiency and importance in monitoring the Heliothis armigera (Hubner) moths at the farm of Rajasthan Agriculture University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, during the years 1984/85 (4 June 1984 to 3 June 1985) and 1985/86 ( 4 June 1985 to 3 June 1986). Both kinds of traps showed three periods of moth activity during both the cropping years. Both types of traps showed almost a similar trend in population fluctuation during the cropping years and there were significant positive correlations between light and pheromone trap catches, (r=0.87 for 1984/85 and r=0.93 for 1985/86). However, pheromone traps had many advantages over light trap in monitoring the Heliothis armigera moths. L’efficacite de pieges lumineux et de pieges a pheromone pour capturer des insectes males de Heliothis armigera a ete comparee sur les terrains de l’Universite agricole du Rajasthan, Inde, pendant deux annees consecutives (1984-86). Les deux types de pieges ont permis de detecter trois periodes d’activite annuelle chez ce Lepidoptere ravageur. Les nombres de captures des deux pieges montrent une correlation significativement positive (r=0.87 pour 1984/85 et r=0.93 pour 1985/86). Les pieges a pheromone presentent neanmoins plusieurs avantages par rapport aux pieges lumineux.

Field evaluations of commercially available traps and synthetic sex pheromone lures of the false codling moth,Cryptophlebia leucotreta(Meyr.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract Field tests were conducted in view of earlier conflicting identifications of the composition of the female sex pheromone of the false codling moth. Formulations comprising equal proportions of (Z)‐ and (E)‐8‐dodecenyl acetate gave consistently high enough catches of male moths to envisage monitoring the pest with these commercially available lures. A formulation of a structure identified earlier, (E)‐7‐dodecenyl acetate, did not perform well in the tests. A wing‐trap and a large delta‐type trap caught consistently more males and either may be utilized in further studies. Both these traps were more efficient than cylindrical traps or smaller delta traps. Colour was not important when orange, brown, yellow, white or clear delta traps were compared.

Development of Pink Bollworm Populations (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) on Nectaried and Nectariless Deltapine Cotton in Field Cages1

The development of populations of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), on the nectaried cultivar, ‘Deltapine 61’ (DPL-61) of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., and a closely related nectariless cultivar, ‘Deltapine NSL’ (’DPL-NSL’), was studied in 0.003-ha screened field cages near Maricopa, Ariz., during the 1986 season. Sixteen cages, eight containing ‘DPL-61’ and eight containing ‘DPL-NSL,’ were inoculated with a total of 25 pairs of laboratory-reared moths in three releases beginning at first Hower buds. Subsequent infestations averaged 6.9 and 12.4 infested (rosetted) blooms per cage for ‘DPL-NSL’ and ‘DPL-61,’ respectively, a nonsignificant difference. Subsequent boll infestations were significantly lower in cages of ‘DPL-NSL’ on three of nine sample dates. Linear rates of increase per day of rosetted blooms and infested bolls were not significantly different for ‘DPL-61’ and ‘DPL-NSL,’ Total catches of male moths in single Delta traps maintained in each cage for 5 wk at the end of the season were significantly lower in ‘DPL-NSL’ (390 males per cage) than in ‘DPL-61’ (525 males per cage). The overall seasonal increases, based on these trap catches, were 15.3-fold for ‘DPL-NSL’ and 21.4-fold for ‘DPL-61,’ a highly significant 29% reduction for ‘DPL-NSL.’

SEX PHEROMONE COMPONENTS OF AN ALBERTA POPULATION OF EUROPEAN CORN BORER, OSTRINIA NUBILALIS (HBN.) (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE)

AbstractThe sex pheromone components of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hbn.), from southern Alberta were identified in washes and extracts of abdomen tips from calling female moths. This is a Z strain population as (Z)-11- and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetates were isolated in a ratio 100:2.4, and a corresponding synthetic blend in a ratio of 100:3 attracted males in the field. Dodecyl alcohol, tetradecyl alcohol and acetate, and (Z)-11-tetradecenol were also identified, but none of these components nor other "pheromone-like" mono-unsaturated C10 to C16 acetates had any effect on increasing the trap catches of male moths under field conditions. However, the addition of (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate or (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate to the synthetic pheromone blend significantly reduced the capture of male moths, even though these compounds were not detectable in the female extracts. Pheromone blends used for monitoring the Z strain of the European corn borer must be essentially free, ca.< 0.1%, of these acetates. A commercially available, sticky-surface, delta-type trap was the most satisfactory of several tested for capturing moths under prairie conditions.

Population dynamics of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) on upland cotton

Population dynamics of pink bollworm on cotton was studied through male moths captured in the traps baited with sex pheromone ‘gossyplure’ and by its damage to the flowers and green bolls during 1978 and 1979 crop seasons. The number of pink bollworm male moths captured in traps were low up to August. Maximum moth population was recorded from the second fortnight of September to the second week of November. The population started declining after the first fortnight of November, indicating that most of the larvae had entered diapause due to the short photoperiod and low temperature. Incidence of pink bollworm on flowers was high up to the last week of August, after which it declined. While on green bolls its infestation started in the beginning of August and continued to increase up to the end of the season. A linear and highly positive correlation was found between the male moth catches in traps and the larval damage in flowers and bolls ( r = 0.84 and 0.95 in 1978 and 1979 crop seasons, respectively).

Z-11-Hexadecenyl Acetate, a Sex Pheromone Component for the Southern Pine Coneworm, Dioryctria amatella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

A sex pheromone component for the southern pine coneworm moth, Dioryctria amatella (Hulst), was identified as Z-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11–16:0Ac) and was attractive to male moths in loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L., seed orchards. Male moth catches in Pherocon 1C traps baited with a rubber septa loaded with 10, 100, 300, or 1,000 µg of Z11–16:0Ac were as good as or better than traps combining two live D. amatella females, Field tests in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas throughout the entire growing season showed that baits with 100 µg generally would be best for a monitoring trap.

Wind Tunnel Tests on the Disruption of Pheromonal Orientation of the Male Smaller Tea Tortrix Moth, Adoxophyes sp : Lepidoptera : Tortricidae : I. Disruptive Effect of Sex Pheromone Components

A wind tunnel was used to evaluate controlled-release dispensers containing (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z-9-TDA), (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z-11-TDA), (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E-11-TDA), 10-methyldodecyl acetate (10-Me-DA), a 4-component mixuture (Z-9-TDA : Z-11-TDA : E-11-TDA : 10-Me-DA=70 : 30 : 5 : 20) and a 3-component mixture [Z-9-TDA : Z-11-TDA : (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate (Z-9-DDA)=1 : 1 : 1] as disruptants for the smaller tea tortrix moth, Adoxophyes sp. Among the 6 candidate dispensers, Z-11-TDA, the 4-component mixture and the 3-component mixture effectively suppressed the male moth catch in a trap baited with 4-component pheromone dispenser in the wind tunnel. The mechanisms of orientation disruption were discussed based on the behavior of male moths in the tunnel.

Effect of height of pheromone trap on the capture ofSpodoptera litura moths in tobacco nurseries

Experiments conducted during 1981/82 and 1983/84 in a tobacco nursery showed that the male moth catch ofSpodoptera litura F. was significantly higher in pheromone traps 2.0 m above ground level, than at lower or higher elevations.

Field studies with the synthetic female sex pheromones ofCryptophlebia batrachopaandC. leucotretapests of macadamia in Malawi

Abstract Field trials were carried out in Malawi with (Z)‐8‐dodecenyl acetate and a 1: 1 mixture of (Z)‐8‐dodecenyl acetate and (E)‐8‐dodecenyl acetate, which were previously identified as the female sex pheromones of Cryptophlebia batrachopa Meyrick and C. leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) respectively. Catches of male moths in cardboard sticky delta traps baited with the respective pheromones were highly significantly correlated with knock‐down counts for each species. Polyethylene vials were shown to be more effective dispensers for the pheromones than rubber septa. An initial pheromone loading of 1·0 mg was as effective as 5·0 mg and significantly more effective than 0·1 mg when assessed over 4‐week periods. The experiment suggested that vials impregnated with 1·0 mg of pheromone started to lose their attractiveness after about 6 weeks and were virtually unattractive after 12 weeks in the field.

Orange Tortrix Larva Control, 1984

Abstract Single treated rows, 200-250 ft long and 9 ft apart, were alternated with untreated rows of the same length. Each treated row was divided into 4 or 5 subunits. Larval counts from each subunit were compared with counts from adjacent subunits in the untreated rows on each side of the treated row. The insecticides were applied as sprays with a vertical boom in 115 gal of water per acre at 150 psi. The first spray was applied on 18 Jun ’84, which was ca. 2 wk after the peak catches of male orange tortrix moths in pheromone traps (ca. 150/trap/week). Heavy rains on Jun 19 and 20 (total 1.7 inches) plus very low larva populations on 26 Jun caused us to reapply the sprays on 2 Jul. No rain fell during the following week. Treatments were evaluated on 9 Jul by examining 50 primocane tips in each subunit. The number of larval-infested tips was recorded.

Pink bollworm of cotton ( Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders)): male moth catches in gossyplure-baited traps and relationships to oviposition, boll infestation and moth emergence

Pheromone-baited traps are an important sampling tool in integrated pest management programmes. Studies were conducted to determine the relationship between catches of male insects in these traps, and crop infestation. Numbers of male moths of the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), caught daily in cotton fields at the University of Arizona Cotton Research Center, Phoenix, Arizona, in gossyplure-baited traps were variable. However, average catches of male moths for 3–7 days between boll-sampling periods were strongly correlated with oviposition on cotton bolls, percentages of infested bolls and numbers of larvae per boll. Average weekly numbers of moths emerging from infested cotton were also strongly correlated with the number of males caught: the number of females emerging was strongly correlated with oviposition on cotton bolls. Insecticide applications of carbaryl and fenvalerate reduced catches of male moths of pink bollworm in gossyplure-baited traps compared with catches in traps in untreated fields (average 56%). However, 13–48 male moths/trap per night were caught in the treated fields after applications. Thus, scheduling treatments on the basis of male moth trap catches, except for the initial treatment, was not feasible. Small field sizes, moth immigration and/or continuing emergence from the infested cotton in the fields may have obscured the impact of the insecticide treatments on adult moth populations.

VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH PHEROMONE TRAPS FOR MONITORING SPRUCE BUDWORM POPULATIONS (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE)

AbstractThe effects of three trap variables (age, saturation, and density) on catches of male spruce budworm moths were tested using Pherocon 1CP® traps baited with synthetic sex attractant in high-density budworm populations in Maine and low-density populations in Ontario. As trap age increased, the number of moths captured decreased significantly; traps aged 2, 10, and 16 days caught an average of 5.4, 28, and 27% fewer moths than unaged traps. Traps functionally saturate and trapping efficiency diminishes in both high and low density populations after ca. 50 moths are caught, although maximum observed catch was 193 moths/day. Density or spacing of traps also affects trap efficiency. Traps spaced 5 m apart may act as a single attraction source. Interference between traps was evident for traps spaced 10, 20, and 30 m apart, while traps spaced at 40 m had the least interference. However, interference at all spacings was noted during peak moth flight in 1978 when mean catch was ca. 140 moths/trap/day.Pherocon 1CP traps can be used for detecting and monitoring spruce budworm populations; however, influences of trap age, timing of trap placement, trap saturation, spacing of traps, and lure strength should be taken into account.

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

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.

Comparing the effectiveness of sexual communication disruption in the oriental fruit moth (Grapholitha molesta) using different combinations and dosages of its pheromone blend

The relative efficacy of disruptant blends comprised of different combinations of the Oriental fruit moth's pheromone components was determined in field tests. Disruption was evaluated by comparing male moth catch at synthetic and female-baited traps in disruptant and non-treatment areas. Three atmospheric dosages of a 8-dodecenyl acetate (93.5%Z∶6.5%E) blend, representing two successive 10-fold decreases in concentration (2.5 × 10(-2) g/hectare/day to 2.5 × 10(-4) g/hectare/day) were tested alone and in combination with an additional percentage of (Z)-8-dodecen-1-ol. Male moth orientation to traps was eliminated in plots exposed to the two highest binary acetate dosages. However, significantly more males were captured in synthetic-baited traps in the lowest acetate-alone treatment, indicating a diminution of disruption efficiency. In contrast, inclusion of (Z)-8-dodecen-1-ol in the disruptant blend effected essentially complete disruption of orientation at all concentrations tested. Mating success ofG. molesta pairs confined in small cages apparently was not affected by the presence of relatively high concentrations of the binary acetate and the acetate-alcohol blends. This suggests that habituation and/or adaptation of male response, at least for comparatively "close-range" behaviors, did not occur.

Mating Behavior of Jute Hairy Caterpillar, Diacrisia obliqua WALKER (Lepidoptera : Arctiidae) II. Rate of Catch of Male Moths by Virgin Female Traps

The rates of catch of the male moths of jute hairy caterpillar, Diacrisia obligua WALKER were improved in the virgin female traps by the combination of light in cloudy nights of high temperature, high humidity and of weak wind. The release of sex pheromone from the abdominal segments (7-9) of the virgin female moths was established. The male response to the VF-traps probably initiates with the active random flight and finally, the males were guided by both visual and olfactory cues within the active spave of the pheromone source. Total catch of the male moths does not differ in the VF-traps that are located within the host plants or alternate host plants. The catch efficiency of the VF-traps depends upon the number of moths per trap and distance between the release points of the marked males and the VF-traps. A good number of marked males are attracted to the VF-traps far beyond their release points.

A Comparison of Light and Pheromone Trap Catches of Spodoptera littoralis in Egypt

Abstract Catches of male moths of the Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), in light traps and pheromone traps were compared at an experimental site at Sakha (Kafr El-Sheikh Province, Egypt) between June and November 1976. The catches in the pheromone traps were generally higher than those in the light traps, although the difference ratio varied from month to month. It was concluded that pheromone traps provided a useful ecological tool for S. littoralis in Egypt.