Effects of photoperiod and temperature on the development of Bonagota cranaodes

The Brazilian apple leafroller, Bonagota cranaodes (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is reared in the laboratory under a long-day (LD 14 : 10 h) and a short-day (LD 7 : 17 h) photoperiod at 22 degrees C, and under two different temperatures (10-13 degrees C and 21-22 degrees C). The development time from larval to adult eclosion do not differ between the two photoperiods, but did between the two temperature regimes. However, the larvae do not enter diapause, even under short day conditions and low temperatures. The number of adults obtained does not differ with temperature and light conditions. Field captures with pheromone traps show that Brazilian apple leafroller occurs in apple orchards throughout the year and the population densities are lower in winter. Accordingly, control measures should be taken during the off-season

Evaluation of porous silica glasses as insect pheromone dispensers

This work demonstrates the viability and advantages of using porous silica glass as an insect pheromone dispenser, in order to control insect population in agriculture. Pieces of so-called Porous Vycor Glass (PVG) were impregnated with pheromones of different insects (both consisting of a single compound or a mixture of compounds). Studies were conducted to characterize the impregnated-PVG and to determine the pheromone release ratio under laboratory conditions. The practical application was verified in two different plantation areas, using the PVG impregnated with pheromone from Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Leucoptera coffeella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae), the main pests of apple and coffee plantations in Brazil, respectively. The release rate was dependent on the interaction between the molecules of the impregnated pheromone and the surface of the PVG pores. A good performance of the porous glass was observed, similar to that of rubber septa commercially used as pheromone dispensers