Characterization of microencapsulated pear ester, (2E,4Z)-ethyl-2,4-decadienoate, a kairomonal spray adjuvant against neonate codling moth larvae.
Codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is the key pest of apples, pears, and walnuts worldwide. The pear-derived kairomone, ethyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate, the pear ester (PE), evokes attraction and arrestment of CM larvae. Microencapsulated PE formulation (PE-MEC) enhances the control efficacy of insecticides when used as a spray adjuvant. Characterization of the microencapsulated kairomone, including microcapsule size, concentrations, emission rates, and larval response, was performed. Microcapsule diameter ranged from 2 to 14 mum, with 68% of capsules being 2-3 mum, and the concentration of microcapsules averaged 25.9 x 10(4) capsules per mL of field spray solution. Headspace collections showed emission of PE was related to PE-MEC concentration and was best described as first-order power decay. Neonate larvae responded to PE-MEC applications aged through 14 days. These results demonstrated that application of PE-MEC concurrent with insecticides may increase neonate foliar wandering, thereby disrupting host location and enhancing mortality by prolonging its exposure to insecticide.
Plant Mycotoxin Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, California 94710, USA. doug.light@ars.usda.gov
Douglas M
DM
Light
John J
JJ
Beck
D000277:Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D003651:Decanoates / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004339:Drug Compounding; D007306:Insecticides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007814:Larva / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D009036:Moths / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D010316:Particle Size; D010571:Pest Control; D010675:Pheromones / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology
D000277:Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic; D003651:Decanoates; D007306:Insecticides; D010675:Pheromones; D010936:Plant Extracts; C438223:ethyl-2,4-decadienoate