Thomas W. Phillips, tomp@okstate.edu1, Charles E. Konemann, ckonemann@oksate.edu2, and Manuel Campos1. (1) Oklahoma State University, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK, (2) Oklahoma State University, Entomology and Plant Pathology, 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK
Potential for using pheromone-based controls for storage moths has existed for decades, but only recently has the food and pest control industries shown interest in developing such technologies. Mating disruption of Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella has been demonstrated in commercial-scale artificial trials and more recently in actual filed trials at multiple locations. Deployment of high-release pheromone dispensers at densities of 1 per 200 cubic meters resulted in consistent disruption of male response to natural and synthetic pheromone sources and a reduction in reproduction in most cases. Trials with the almond moth, Cadra cautella, showed that high release of the single major pheromone was adequate to disrupt male behavior. Attract-and-kill technology has also been investigated using various toxicants and bait stations. Insecticidal gel was effective in short-term studies, but activity of the pheromone was reduced over the two-month trial period. Use of an effective long-lasting lure is recommended together with an adequately sized insecticide-treated surface for moth contact. Field validation of attract-and-kill is still pending. Mating disruption and attract-and-kill may be able to replace routine chemical treatments for moths such as aerosol applications, and in some cases may be organically compliant. Registration of these methods is still pending but hopeful based on their low risk status.
Species 1: Lepidoptera Pyralidae
Plodia interpunctella (Indianmeal moth)
Keywords: Mating disruption, Attracticide