Improvements in Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) Trapping Systems

[EN] Improved trap efficacy is crucial for implementing control methods for red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier; Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), based on trapping systems, such as mass trapping, attract and infect or attract and sterilize techniques. Although new trap designs have been proposed and aggregation pheromone dispensers have been optimized, aspects such as the use of co-attractants (molasses) and trap placement are still not well defined and standardized. The efficacy of three concentrations of molasses and different formulations to reduce water evaporation in traps was studied in different field trials to improve trapping systems and to prolong trap servicing periods. In addition, the performance of installing groups of traps or single traps was also evaluated with the aim of improving the attracted/captured weevils ratio. Our results showed that captures increased when molasses were added at 15% to the water contained in the trap and that a thin layer of oil, created by adding 2-3% of paraffinic oil to water, was able to effectively reduce evaporation and prolong trap servicing periods. Moreover, 3.5-fold more weevils were captured when placing five traps instead of one at the same trapping point. Results obtained allow improved efficacy and may have an impact in the economic viability of trapping systems and, therefore, in integrated pest management programs.We want to thank Vicente Dalmau from Conselleria de Agricultura, Peixca i Alimentacio (GVA) and Jose Juan Lopez from TRAGSA for their help and technical assistance in field trials. Also, we want to thank Helen Warburton for English editing. The research leading to these results has received funding from the 7th European Union Framework Programme under grant agreement FP7 KBBE 2011-5-289566 (PALM PROTECT).Navarro-Llopis, V.; Primo Millo, J.; Vacas, S. (2018). Improvements in Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) Trapping Systems. Journal of Economic Entomology. 111(3):1298-1305. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toy065S12981305111

Chemosterilants as control agents of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in field trials

[EN] Lufenuron is a chitin synthesis inhibitor, which is able to impede Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), reproduction. In laboratory trials, following ingestion of lufenuron, the eggs laid by female Ceratitis capitata were prevented from hatching. In field trials in Valencia, Spain, lufenuron showed its effectiveness by reducing C. capitata wild populations and its continuous application to several generations of fruit fly resulted in increased pest control. This field trial was conducted in an isolated valley some 80ha in size, over a continuous four-year period. In order to maintain the sterilizing effect in the field throughout the whole year, a new lufenuron bait gel was developed. This bait gel was introduced in to delta traps suspended in trees at a density of 24 traps ha 1, and these traps were replaced once a year during the field trial. Monitoring of the adult C. capitata population was conducted to assess the effects of the chemosterilant treatment. In the first year of treatment with sterilizing traps, a reduction of the C. capitata population was observed, indicating that the traps reduce the population right from the first generation. In the second, third and fourth years, a continuous and progressive reduction of the adult Mediterranean fruit fly population was observed. Therefore, the successive application of chemosterilization treatment has a cumulative effect on reducing the fly population year after year. Aerial treatment using malathion does not produce this cumulative effect, and consequently every year it is necessary to start again with the same number of flies as the year before. The possibility of using the chemosterilant method alone or combined with the sterile insect technique is discussed.The authors thank Stephen Skillman for helpful suggestions on the first version of the manuscript, Syngenta for supplying technical grade lufenuron, and the R&D+i Linguistic Assistance Office at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia for their help in revising and correcting this paper. This research has been supported by ‘Fundación José y Ana Royo’, ‘Conselleria d’Agricultura Peixca i Alimentacio-GVA’ and INIA project number RTA03-103-C6.Navarro Llopis, V.; Sanchis Cabanes, J.; Primo Millo, J.; Primo Yufera, E. (2007). Chemosterilants as control agents of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in field trials. Bulletin of Entomological Research. 97(4):359-368. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007485307005081S35936897

Influence of pheromone emission on the attraction of California red scale males in citrus orchards

[EN] Attraction of California red scale males, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), to different release rates of the sex pheromone compound 3-methyl-6-isopropenyl-9-decen-1-yl acetate was evaluated in field trials. This study was aimed to study pheromone emission-response correlations and the existence of an optimum release rate that maximizes trapping efficacy. Release profiles of the pheromone dispensers deployed were determined by gas chromatography to estimate the various emission rates tested. The results reveal that the mean number of A. aurantii males caught correlates with the daily pheromone release rates by means of a quadratic model. The obtained model indicates the existence of a relative maximum of the captures corresponding to an optimum release rate of ca. 300 mu g/day. Higher emission rates (up to 1 g/day) resulted in lower captures. Implications for the mating disruption technique are discussed.The research leading to these results received funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation [project number AGL2009-10725].Vacas González, S.; Primo Millo, J.; Navarro-Llopis, V. (2017). Influence of pheromone emission on the attraction of California red scale males in citrus orchards. International Journal of Pest Management. 63(1):10-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/09670874.2016.1209253S1017631Anshelevich, L., Kehat, M., Dunkelblum, E., & Greenberg, S. (1994). Sex Pheromone Traps for Monitoring the European Vine Moth,Lobesia botrana: Effect of Dispenser Type, Pheromone Dose, Field Aging of Dispenser, and Type of Trap on Male Captures. Phytoparasitica, 22(4), 281-290. doi:10.1007/bf02980529Carde, R. T., & Minks, A. K. (1995). Control of Moth Pests by Mating Disruption: Successes and Constraints. Annual Review of Entomology, 40(1), 559-585. doi:10.1146/annurev.en.40.010195.003015Domínguez-Ruiz, J., Sanchis, J., Navarro-Llopis, V., & Primo, J. (2008). A New Long-Life Trimedlure Dispenser for Mediterranean Fruit Fly. Journal of Economic Entomology, 101(4), 1325-1330. doi:10.1603/0022-0493(2008)101[1325:anltdf]2.0.co;2Gardner, P. D., Ervin, R. T., Moreno, D. S., & Baritelle, L. (1983). California Red Scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae): Cost Analysis of A Pheromone Monitoring Program1. Journal of Economic Entomology, 76(3), 601-604. doi:10.1093/jee/76.3.601Gieselmann, M. J., Henrick, C. A., Anderson, R. J., Moreno, D. S., & Roelofs, W. L. (1980). Responses of male California red scale to sex pheromone isomers. Journal of Insect Physiology, 26(3), 179-182. doi:10.1016/0022-1910(80)90078-5Grout, T. G., Toit, D. W. J., Hofmeyr, J. H., & Richards, G. I. (1989). California Red Scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) Phenology on Citrus in South Africa. Journal of Economic Entomology, 82(3), 793-798. doi:10.1093/jee/82.3.793Grout, T. G., & Richards, G. I. (1991). Value of pheromone traps for predicting infestations of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hom., Diaspididae), limited by natural enemy activity and insecticides used to control citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii Faure (Thys., Thripidae). Journal of Applied Entomology, 111(1-5), 20-27. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0418.1991.tb00290.xJacobson, M., & Beroza, M. (1964). Insect Attractants. Scientific American, 211(2), 20-27. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0864-20Kennett, C. E., & Hoffmann, R. W. (1985). Seasonal Development of the California Red Scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in San Joaquin Valley Citrus Based on Degree-Day Accumulation. Journal of Economic Entomology, 78(1), 73-79. doi:10.1093/jee/78.1.73Knutson, A. E., Harris, M. K., & Millar, J. G. (1998). Effects of Pheromone Dose, Lure Age, and Trap Design on Capture of Male Pecan Nut Casebearer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Pheromone-Baited Traps. Journal of Economic Entomology, 91(3), 715-722. doi:10.1093/jee/91.3.715McDonough, L. M., Brown, D. F., & Aller, W. C. (1989). Insect sex pheromones. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 15(3), 779-790. doi:10.1007/bf01015176McLaughlin, J. R. (1990). Behavioral response of male white peach scale to the sex pheromone, (R,Z)-3,9,-dimethyl-6-isopropenyl-3,9-decadien-1-ol propionate and corresponding alcohol. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 16(3), 749-756. doi:10.1007/bf01016486Moreno, D. S., Carman, G. E., & Bain, N. S. (1972). Extraction and Bioassay of, and Effect of Solvents on, the Sex Pheromone of the Yellow Scale1, 2. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 65(5), 1061-1064. doi:10.1093/aesa/65.5.1061Moreno, D. S., Fargerlund, J., & Shaw, J. G. (1973). California Red Scale: Captures of Males in Modified Pheromone Traps13. Journal of Economic Entomology, 66(6), 1333-1333. doi:10.1093/jee/66.6.1333Moreno, D. S., & Kennett, C. E. (1985). Predictive Year-end California Red Scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) Orange Fruit Infestations Based on Catches of Males in the San Joaquin Valley. Journal of Economic Entomology, 78(1), 1-9. doi:10.1093/jee/78.1.1Navarro-Llopis, V., Sanchis, J., Primo-Millo, J., & Primo-Yúfera, E. (2007). Chemosterilants as control agents of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in field trials. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 97(4), 359-368. doi:10.1017/s0007485307005081Rice, R. E., & Moreno, D. S. (1970). Flight of Male California Red Scale1,2,3. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 63(1), 91-96. doi:10.1093/aesa/63.1.91Rice, R. E., & Moreno, D. S. (1969). Marking and Recapture of California Red Scale1 for Field Studies3,4. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 62(3), 558-560. doi:10.1093/aesa/62.3.558Rice, R. E., & Hoyt, S. C. (1980). Response of San Jose Scale 1 to Natural and Synthetic Sex Pheromones. Environmental Entomology, 9(2), 190-194. doi:10.1093/ee/9.2.190ROELOFS, W. L., GIESELMANN, M. J., CARDÉ, A. M., TASHIRO, H., MORENO, D. S., HENRICK, C. A., & ANDERSON, R. J. (1977). Sex pheromone of the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii. Nature, 267(5613), 698-699. doi:10.1038/267698a0Roelofs, W., Gieselmann, M., Card�, A., Tashiro, H., Moreno, D. S., Henrick, C. A., & Anderson, R. J. (1978). Identification of the California red scale sex pheromone. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 4(2), 211-224. doi:10.1007/bf00988056Samways, M. J. (1988). Comparative monitoring of red scaleAonidiella aurantii(Mask.) (Hom., Diaspididae) and itsAphytisspp. (Hym., Aphelinidae) parasitoids. Journal of Applied Entomology, 105(1-5), 483-489. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0418.1988.tb00214.xShaw, J. G., Moreno, D. S., & Fargerlund, J. (1971). Virgin Female California Red Scales Used to Detect Infestations13. Journal of Economic Entomology, 64(5), 1305-1306. doi:10.1093/jee/64.5.1305Tashiro, H., & Chambers, D. L. (1967). Reproduction in the California Red Scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Homoptera: Diaspididae). I. Discovery and Extraction of a Female Sex Pheromone1,2. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 60(6), 1166-1170. doi:10.1093/aesa/60.6.1166Vacas, S., Alfaro, C., Navarro-Llopis, V., & Primo, J. (2009). The first account of the mating disruption technique for the control of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Homoptera: Diaspididae) using new biodegradable dispensers. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 99(4), 415-423. doi:10.1017/s0007485308006470Vacas, S., Alfaro, C., Navarro-Llopis, V., Zarzo, M., & Primo, J. (2009). Study on the Optimum Pheromone Release Rate for Attraction of Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 102(3), 1094-1100. doi:10.1603/029.102.0330Vacas, S., Alfaro, C., Navarro-Llopis, V., & Primo, J. (2010). Mating disruption of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Homoptera: Diaspididae), using biodegradable mesoporous pheromone dispensers. Pest Management Science, 66(7), 745-751. doi:10.1002/ps.1937Vacas, S., Alfaro, C., Primo, J., & Navarro-Llopis, V. (2014). Deployment of mating disruption dispensers before and after first seasonal male flights for the control of Aonidiella aurantii in citrus. Journal of Pest Science, 88(2), 321-329. doi:10.1007/s10340-014-0623-1Vacas, S., Miñarro, M., Bosch, M. D., Primo, J., & Navarro-Llopis, V. (2013). Studies on the Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Response to Different Codlemone Release Rates. Environmental Entomology, 42(6), 1383-1389. doi:10.1603/en13114Zhang, A., & Amalin, D. (2005). Sex Pheromone of the Female Pink Hibiscus Mealybug,Maconellicoccus hirsutus(Green) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae): Biological Activity Evaluation. Environmental Entomology, 34(2), 264-270. doi:10.1603/0046-225x-34.2.26

Influence of weather conditions on Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) mating disruption dispensers' emission rates and efficacy

[EN] Passive dispensers are the most widely used dispensers to control the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), by mating disruption (MD). Although their efficacy is well-proven, efforts are needed to reduce the use of pheromone without compromising efficacy and to allow lower MD costs. For this purpose, two different widely employed dispenser types in Europe against this pest (Ampoule and Rope dispensers) were evaluated in the field to verify their performance (emission rates and efficacy) in relation to weather conditions. Their release profiles were studied by extracting and quantifying the residual pheromone load over time by gas chromatography. Dispensers' performance in relation to weather conditions was then assessed by correlating the daily emission rates with the mean daily values of several of these variables. Although both dispenser types were efficient in controlling L. botrana populations and reducing fruit damage, their pheromone content and their release rates differed at the end of the crop cycle. The Ampoule dispensers emitted lower amounts of pheromone throughout the study period, whereas the Rope dispensers¿ emissions were weather-dependent, with higher emission rates at higher mean temperatures and wind speeds. Our results showed that the current commercial MD dispensers could be improved by adjusting their release rates to better reflect actual pheromone requirements.Authors would like to thank Celler del Roure winery (Mogente, Valencia) and Emilio Giménez (Venta del Moro) for providing field study vineyards. This research received funding from Conselleria de Agricultura, Desarrollo Rural, Emergencia Climática y Transicion Ecologica (Generalitat Valenciana) under grant agreement S8456000. We are also grateful to Ana Castellar and Helen Warburton for language editing. Funding for open access charge: CRUE-Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia.Gavara, A.; Navarro-Llopis, V.; Primo Millo, J.; Vacas, S. (2022). Influence of weather conditions on Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) mating disruption dispensers' emission rates and efficacy. Crop Protection. 155:1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2022.105926S1815

Isolation of N-(2-Methyl-3-oxodecanoyl)pyrrole and N-(2-Methyl-3-oxodec-8-enoyl)pyrrole, Two New Natural Products from Penicillium brevicompactum, and Synthesis of Analogues with Insecticiidal and Fungicidal Activity

[EN] Two new natural products have been isolated from culture broth of Penicillium brevicompactum Dierckx. The structures have be en assigned as N-(2-methyl-3-oxodecanoyl)pyrrole and N-(2-methyl-3-oxodec-8-enoyl)pyrrole on the basis of spectral data. Synthesis of analogues has been carried out by acylation of the pyrrole ring at Ct with different acylated Meldrum's acids. Two analogues (6b and 7b) have shown interesting insecticidal activities, and three other ones (6a, 6c, and 7a) have exhibited significant broad-spectrum fungicidal activities. These synthetic products might be considered as a starting point in the search for new pesticides.Cantin Sanz, A.; Moya, P.; Miranda Alonso, MÁ.; Primo Millo, J.; Primo Yufera, E. (1998). Isolation of N-(2-Methyl-3-oxodecanoyl)pyrrole and N-(2-Methyl-3-oxodec-8-enoyl)pyrrole, Two New Natural Products from Penicillium brevicompactum, and Synthesis of Analogues with Insecticiidal and Fungicidal Activity. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 46(11):4748-4753. doi:10.1021/jf9800763S47484753461

Airborne Pheromone Quantification in Treated Vineyards with Different Mating Disruption Dispensers against Lobesia botrana

[EN] Mating disruption (MD) is widely used against the European grapevine moth (EGVM), Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermuller; Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), by installing passive dispensers or aerosol devices. The present work reports a new sampling and quantification methodology to obtain absolute data about field airborne pheromone concentration based on air samplings and sensitive chromatographic-spectroscopic methods. Samplings were performed in fields treated with passive dispensers or aerosol devices at different moments throughout the crop cycle to study how they act and how the disruption is triggered. Moreover, pheromone adsorption and releasing capacity of vine leaves were studied to elucidate their role in the disruption. Although both types of dispensers were effective in limiting the damage inflicted by EGVM, they performed differently and provided different airborne pheromone concentration profiles. Results also proved that leaves were able to adsorb and release part of the airborne pheromone acting as subsequent and additional pheromone sources. This fact could explain the different concentration profiles. Moreover, our results suggest that lower pheromone emission than that of the current passive dispensers still could provide an adequate performance in the field. Competitive mechanisms involved in MD using both dispensers, the dynamics of the airborne pheromone throughout the time and the importance of the canopy are discussed.This research received funding from Conselleria de Agricultura, Medio Ambiente, Cambio Climatico y Desarrollo Rural (Generalitat Valenciana) under grant agreement S8456000.Gavara, A.; Vacas, S.; Navarro, I.; Primo Millo, J.; Navarro-Llopis, V. (2020). Airborne Pheromone Quantification in Treated Vineyards with Different Mating Disruption Dispensers against Lobesia botrana. Insects. 11(5):1-19. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11050289S119115Witzgall, P., Kirsch, P., & Cork, A. (2010). Sex Pheromones and Their Impact on Pest Management. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 36(1), 80-100. doi:10.1007/s10886-009-9737-yLucchi, A., Sambado, P., Juan Royo, A. B., Bagnoli, B., Conte, G., & Benelli, G. (2018). Disrupting mating of Lobesia botrana using sex pheromone aerosol devices. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25(22), 22196-22204. doi:10.1007/s11356-018-2341-3Gordon, D., Zahavi, T., Anshelevich, L., Harel, M., Ovadia, S., Dunkelblum, E., & Harari, A. R. (2005). Mating Disruption of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): Effect of Pheromone Formulations and Concentrations. Journal of Economic Entomology, 98(1), 135-142. doi:10.1093/jee/98.1.135Williamson, E. R., Folwell, R. J., Knight, A., & Howell, J. F. (1996). Economics of employing pheromones for mating disruption of the codling moth, Carpocapsa pomonella. Crop Protection, 15(5), 473-477. doi:10.1016/0261-2194(96)00013-0Knight, A. L. (1995). Evaluating Pheromone Emission Rate and Blend in Disrupting Sexual Communication of Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Environmental Entomology, 24(6), 1396-1403. doi:10.1093/ee/24.6.1396Welter, S. C., Pickel, C., Millar, J., Cave, F., Van Steenwyk, R. A., & Dunley, J. (2005). Pheromone mating disruption offers selective management options for key pests. California Agriculture, 59(1), 16-22. doi:10.3733/ca.v059n01p16Vacas, S., Alfaro, C., Primo, J., & Navarro-Llopis, V. (2011). Studies on the development of a mating disruption system to control the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta Povolny (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Pest Management Science, 67(11), 1473-1480. doi:10.1002/ps.2202Miller, J. R., & Gut, L. J. (2015). Mating Disruption for the 21st Century: Matching Technology With Mechanism. Environmental Entomology, 44(3), 427-453. doi:10.1093/ee/nvv052Witzgall, P., Stelinski, L., Gut, L., & Thomson, D. (2008). Codling Moth Management and Chemical Ecology. Annual Review of Entomology, 53(1), 503-522. doi:10.1146/annurev.ento.53.103106.093323Ozlem Altindisli, F., Ozsemerci, F., Koclu, T., Akkan, Ü., & Keskin, N. (2016). Isonet LTT, a new alternative material for mating disruption ofLobesia botrana(Den. & Schiff.) in Turkey. BIO Web of Conferences, 7, 01029. doi:10.1051/bioconf/20160701029Lucchi, A., Ladurner, E., Iodice, A., Savino, F., Ricciardi, R., Cosci, F., … Benelli, G. (2018). Eco-friendly pheromone dispensers—a green route to manage the European grapevine moth? Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25(10), 9426-9442. doi:10.1007/s11356-018-1248-3Miller, J. R., Gut, L. J., de Lame, F. M., & Stelinski, L. L. (2006). Differentiation of Competitive vs. Non-competitive Mechanisms Mediating Disruption of Moth Sexual Communication by Point Sources of Sex Pheromone (Part I): Theory1. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 32(10), 2089-2114. doi:10.1007/s10886-006-9134-8Stelinski, L. L., Gut, L. J., Haas, M., McGhee, P., & Epstein, D. (2007). Evaluation of aerosol devices for simultaneous disruption of sex pheromone communication in Cydia pomonella and Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Journal of Pest Science, 80(4), 225-233. doi:10.1007/s10340-007-0176-7McGhee, P. S., Gut, L. J., & Miller, J. R. (2014). Aerosol emitters disrupt codling moth, Cydia pomonella , competitively. Pest Management Science, 70(12), 1859-1862. doi:10.1002/ps.3732McGhee, P. S., Miller, J. R., Thomson, D. R., & Gut, L. J. (2016). Optimizing Aerosol Dispensers for Mating Disruption of Codling Moth, Cydia pomonella L. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 42(7), 612-616. doi:10.1007/s10886-016-0724-9Vacas, S., Alfaro, C., Zarzo, M., Navarro-Llopis, V., & Primo, J. (2011). Effect of sex pheromone emission on the attraction of Lobesia botrana. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 139(3), 250-257. doi:10.1111/j.1570-7458.2011.01124.xWilson, H., & Daane, K. M. (2017). Review of Ecologically-Based Pest Management in California Vineyards. Insects, 8(4), 108. doi:10.3390/insects8040108Ioriatti, C., Anfora, G., Tasin, M., De Cristofaro, A., Witzgall, P., & Lucchi, A. (2011). Chemical Ecology and Management of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 104(4), 1125-1137. doi:10.1603/ec10443Ioriatti, C., & Lucchi, A. (2016). Semiochemical Strategies for Tortricid Moth Control in Apple Orchards and Vineyards in Italy. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 42(7), 571-583. doi:10.1007/s10886-016-0722-yBenelli, Lucchi, Thomson, & Ioriatti. (2019). Sex Pheromone Aerosol Devices for Mating Disruption: Challenges for a Brighter Future. Insects, 10(10), 308. doi:10.3390/insects10100308Vassiliou, V. A. (2009). Control of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in vineyards in Cyprus using the Mating Disruption Technique. Crop Protection, 28(2), 145-150. doi:10.1016/j.cropro.2008.09.013Alfaro, C., Navarro-Llopis, V., & Primo, J. (2009). Optimization of pheromone dispenser density for managing the rice striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker), by mating disruption. Crop Protection, 28(7), 567-572. doi:10.1016/j.cropro.2009.02.006Epstein, D. L., Stelinski, L. L., Reed, T. P., Miller, J. R., & Gut, L. J. (2006). Higher Densities of Distributed Pheromone Sources Provide Disruption of Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Superior to That of Lower Densities of Clumped Sources. Journal of Economic Entomology, 99(4), 1327-1333. doi:10.1093/jee/99.4.1327Schwalbe, C. P., & Mastro, V. C. (1988). 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Mating disruption of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Homoptera: Diaspididae), using biodegradable mesoporous pheromone dispensers

[EN] BACKGROUND: The control of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), has encountered many difficulties, which has raised interest in alternative control methods. Up to now, the A. aurantii sex pheromone has been used only for monitoring. In a previous work the authors described a biodegradable mesoporous pheromone dispenser for mating disruption. To verify the efficacy of these dispensers, three field trials were conducted, and the results are shown in this paper. RESULTS: The study of the release profile of these dispensers revealed a mean pheromone emission value of 269 mu g day(-1) and levels of residual pheromone of 10% at the end of 250 days. During the second flight, an A. aurantii male catch reduction of 98% was achieved in the mating disruption plot of trial 1,93.5% in trial 2 and 76.7% in trial 3. During the third flight, reductions were 94.1, 82.9 and 68.1% in trials 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Considering damaged fruit with more than five scales, reductions of about 80 and 60% were obtained in the mating disruption plots of trials 2 and 3, respectively, compared with an untreated plot, and a reduction of about 70% in trial 1 compared with an oil-treated plot. CONCLUSION: Mating disruption has been found to be an efficient technique to control this pest, working equally well to a correctly sprayed oil treatment. Further studies are needed to improve the determination of the time of dispenser application and evaluate the effects of the pheromone on natural enemies. (C) 2010 Society of Chemical IndustryThe authors are grateful to Ernesto Machancoses and Vicente Morato (Picasent) and to Antonio Caballero from Rio Tinto Fruits ´ for facilitating study orchards and assisting with the collection of trapping data. This research has been supported by Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología project number AGL 2009-10725.Vacas González, S.; Alfaro Cañamás, C.; Navarro-Llopis, V.; Primo Millo, J. (2010). Mating disruption of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Homoptera: Diaspididae), using biodegradable mesoporous pheromone dispensers. Pest Management Science. 66(7):745-751. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.1937S74575166

Evaluation of Trimedlure dispensers by a method based on thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

[EN] Knowledge about the behaviour of trimedlure (TML) dispensers is essential to ensure the efficacy of monitoring and control methods based on TML as attractant. There are several commercially available TML dispensers, and each of them has a different useful life and TML release profile. Their emission is also affected differently by environmental factors. Even the same type of dispenser sometimes shows an important variability in the TML release rate. Because of the importance of methods based on TML lures in the control of the Mediterranean fruit fly and the influence of the TML dispenser on the efficacy of these control methods, we developed a non-destructive flow-through system to measure the TML release rate. This volatile collection method (VCM) adsorbs TML vapour on a Tenax TA desorption tube, and TML is quantified by Thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Two types of TML dispensers, a polymeric (Aralure) and a mesoporous (Epalure), were field aged during 3 months. The TML release rates of these dispensers were determined by both, VCM and solvent extraction method. In this study, the correlation between both measurement methods is shown. A field trial has also been carried out to correlate trap catches and TML emission of each type of tested dispenser. The VCM allows a quick and accurate evaluation of the current behaviour of commercial dispensers along their useful life. It also allows comparing the TML release rate between different dispensers. We believe that the VCM can be useful for dispenser manufacturers to determine seasonal dispenser performance before a new product is introduced in the market, and to rapidly verify TML dispenser release when field-aged dispenser efficacy is in question. Thus, it can be employed as a quality control of commercial dispensers.We want to thank financial support from 'Fundacion Jose y Ana Royo' and 'Conselleria de Agricultura Pesca y Alimentacion de la Generalitat Valenciana', and Juan Sanchis for his support in the field trial.S7727771329-1

Studies on the development of a mating disruption system to control the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta Povolny (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

BACKGROUND: The tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta Povolny) has rapidly colonised the whole Mediterranean and South-Atlantic coasts of Spain, and it has become a key problem in both outdoor and greenhouse crops. New control methods compatible with biological control are required, and mating disruption appears to be a perfect method in current agriculture, as it is an environmentally friendly and residue-free technique. IPM packages tested have included the use of pheromones to detect populations, but there has not been much previous research on mating disruption of T. absoluta. In this work, pheromone doses varying from 10 to 40 g ha(-1), emitted at a constant rate over 4 months, were tested in greenhouses with different levels of containment in order to evaluate the efficacy of mating disruption on T. absoluta. RESULTS: Trials on containment level revealed that the flight of T. absoluta was satisfactorily disrupted with an initial pheromone dose of 30 g ha(-1), and levels of damage did not significantly differ from those in reference plots with insecticide treatments. Later efficacy trials confirmed previous experiences, and release studies showed that control of damage and flight disruption were taking place when releasing at least 85 mg pheromone per ha per day. CONCLUSION: Effective control using pheromone application against T. absoluta can be achieved, in greenhouses with high containment levels, for 4 months, with initial doses of 30 g ha(-1). Further research must be conducted in order to evaluate the prospect of outdoor application of mating disruption systems.Vacas González, S.; Alfaro Cañamás, C.; Primo Millo, J.; Navarro-Llopis, V. (2011). Studies on the development of a mating disruption system to control the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta Povolny (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). Pest Management Science. 67(11):1473-1480. doi:10.1002/ps.2202S14731480671

Response of two tephritid species, Bactrocera oleae and Ceratitis capitata, to different emission levels of pheromone and parapheromone

Attractants and pheromones are commonly used in integrated pest management programs in crop systems. However, pheromone dispensers employed in monitoring traps and lure and kill devices are not usually well studied and attractants are released at uncontrolled rates leading to low treatment efficacies and misleading monitoring estimations. Fruit flies are pests of economic importance and monitoring is essential in order to program insecticidal treatments. Moreover, lure and kill techniques are being increasingly used, but the cost of these techniques depends on the number of required traps and, therefore, on the efficacy of the attractants. Ceratitis capitata and Bactrocera oleae are the two main fruit flies in Mediterranean countries, and the effect of different doses of trimedlure and spiroacetal on fly attraction has been studied. Results showed that a release rate over 1.28 mg/day of spiroacetal reduces B. oleae attraction and emission values over 2.4 mg of trimedlure per day did not increase C. capitata catches. Under the environmental conditions of our study, an optimum release rate for pheromone attraction in B. oleae was determined. Emission values over this optimum level reduced B. oleae attraction. However, when a parapheromone was used with C. capitata, a fruit fly of the same family, the optimum emission value was not found and higher quantities of parapheromone attracted the same number of flies. The saturation effect of high concentrations of pheromone and parapheromone is discussed.We wish to thank "Cartuja de Portacoeli" and Domingo de Guzman Orero for offering their orchards for this research, and Juan Bautista for field assistance. This research was supported by "Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion" project number AGL2006-13346-C02-02.Navarro Llopis, V.; Alfaro Cañamás, C.; Primo Millo, J.; Vacas González, S. (2011). Response of two tephritid species, Bactrocera oleae and Ceratitis capitata, to different emission levels of pheromone and parapheromone. Crop Protection. 30(7):913-918. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2011.03.007S91391830