Moths pheromone traps

At present only Trichogramma species and the scelionid egg parasitoid Telenomus remus (20) are known to respond to moth sex pheromones. However, this phenomenon could be much more widespread and overlooked because these wasps apparently do not fly to point sources and are not caught in pheromone traps. 

Perry, J. N., and Wall, C. (1984). Orientation of male pea moth, Cydia nigricana, to pheromone traps in a wheat crop. EntomologiaExperimentalis etApplicata 37,161-167. 

Baker, J. L., Hill, A. S. and Roelofs, W. L. (1978). Seasonal variations in the pheromone trap catches of male omnivorous leafroller moths, Platynota stultana. Environmental Entomology 7 399 101. 

McNeil, J. N. (1991). Behavioral ecology of pheromone-mediated communication in moths and its importance in the use of pheromone traps. Annual Review of Entomology 36 407 130. 

Sharov, A. A., Liebhold, A. M. and Ravlin, F. W. (1995). Prediction of gypsy moth (Lepidoptera Lymantriidae) mating success from pheromone trap counts. Environmental Entomology 24 1239-1244. 

Present methods for the detection and population survey of spruce budworm rely on the sampling of egg masses on tree foliage. Pheromone traps could probably detect moths at lower densities than the present method and this information could be used to prevent or decrease the development of an epidemic infestation of spruce budworm. However, a great deal of work is still required to correlate trap capture with moth population densities and with damage to trees. 

Ostrauskas, H. (2004). Moths caught in pheromone traps for American white moth (Hyphantria cunea Dr.) (Arctiidae, Lepidoptera) in Lithuania during 2001. Acta Zool. Lituanica, 14, 66-74. 

Identification of polyenic hydrocarbons from the northern winter moth, Operophtera fagata, and development of a species specific lure for pheromone traps. Chemoecology, 14, 53-58. 

Zhang, Q. H., Schlyter, F., Chu, D., Ma, X.Y. and Ninomiya, Y. (1998). Diurnal and seasonal flight activity of males and population dynamics of fall webworm moth, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lep., Arctiidae) monitored by pheromone traps../. Appl. Entomol., 122, 523-532. 

The flight of the moths can he monitored with pheromone traps. 

INSPECTION AND DAMAGE THRESHOLD. The flight of the moths of the various tortrix species can be determined with pheromone traps. These traps do not provide any clues as to the possible extent of damage, however. Tortrix moths that feed on fruit are highly polyphagous and can also live outside the orchard. Pheromone traps can only be used to determine the species composition of the tortrix population. 

The flight of the moths can be monitored with pheromone traps, but a specific attractant has to be used for each species. 

DIRECT. The only direct control measure is insertion of a wire into the entry hole for mechanical destruction of the caterpillars. For control of the leopard moth, however, positive results have also been obtained with mass traps (12 pheromone traps/ha). 

Growing shoots wilt and die. Cause Oriental fruit moth larvae. Slit the stem below the wilted portion and look for a pinkish white, A" caterpillar—the larva of an oriental fruit moth. Larvae tunnel into shoots and remain for 2 weeks before leaving to pupate for 10 days in cocoons suspended in trees. Larvae from later generations bore into and ruin fruit. Use pheromone traps to monitor and control the pests. Mating disruption pheromones, such as Isomate-M, are also effective. Replace them every 90 days throughout the growing season. For heavy infestations, spray superior oil to smother eggs and larvae. 

Some growers use pheromone traps to capture male codling moths and other pests... 

Pheromone traps will catch adult moths, but not the damage-causing grubs. 

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