title: Development and evaluation of an emulsified paraffin wax dispenser for season-long mating disruption of Grapholita molesta in commercial peach orchards.
abstract: The University of California at Davis patented the use of emulsified wax to release pheromones for mating disruption. Advantages of these dispensers include low cost, self-adhesion, and biodegradation. We compared the efficacy and practicality of Confuse-OFM, a commercial emulsified wax formulation of oriental fruit moth, Grapiholita molesta (Busck), pheromone with those of Check-Mate OFM-F sprayable pheromone and Isomate-M 100 polyethylene tube dispensers in commercial peach (Prunus spp.) orchards. Efficacy was measured with male captures in pheromone-, virgin female-, and liquid attractant-baited bucket traps as well as by noting injury to shoots and fruit. Two applications of Confuse-OFM were as effective as two applications of CheckMate OFM-F and one application of Isomate-M 100. However, Confuse-OFM was tedious to apply and wasted pheromone with an initially high release rate. We developed a new emulsified wax formulation (Wax Dollops) that maintained release rates above a 5 mg/ha/h threshold twice as long as Confuse-OFM in the laboratory. Field trials confirmed that one application of 3-ml dollops (590 dollops per ha) provided season-long (approximately 15 wk) control equivalent to that of Isomate-M 100 and Confuse-OFM applied as described above. Several applicators were developed for Wax Dollops, including a pneumatic gun that shot dollops >2 m. However, the most efficient method for application was wiping dollops onto tree branches by using a flat-bladed spatula. This research was the basis for a new line of commercial pheromone pest control products equally effective to current commercial formulations but with advantages in cost and flexibility.
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, 243 Natural Science Bldg., East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. delame.frederique@dialcorp.com
authors.forename: Frédérique M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: De Lame
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Cynthia A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Attrerholt
authors.forename: Larry J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Gut
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007300:Insect Control / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009036:Moths / Q000502:physiology*; D010232:Paraffin; D010675:Pheromones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D027861:Prunus; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal; D014885:Waxes
chemical_list: D010675:Pheromones; D014885:Waxes; C010411:insect attractants; D010232:Paraffin