Development of organic sprayable pheromone dispensers

The use of synthetic insect pheromones for mating disruption is a proven, effective tool for managing many Lepidopteran pests. Using insect pheromones reduces the environmental impact of agricultural management by providing species-specific control, eliminating the need for broad-spectrum insecticides. Still, not all synthetic pheromone products are certified organic. Traditional pheromone dispensers include twist ties, ropes and other hand-applied products; many of which have received organic certification. These dispensers require time-consuming manual application which has limited their use in large-scale farming operations. As consumer demand for organic products increases, so does the need for a faster, economical and effective application method for delivering synthetic insect pheromones to the field. SPLAT is an amorphous matrix that provides long-term release of pheromone in a sprayable formulation suitable for mechanical application. Some SPLAT formulations have already received organic registration with the EPA, including SPLAT LBAM HD and SPLAT LBAM LD for mating disruption of the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana. Recent field trials performed in Australia show SPLAT LBAM provided trap shut down at levels similar to standard twist tie formulations. An organic formulation of SPLAT GM, one of only two semiochemical formulations approved for use in the Forest Service’s Slow the Spread of Gypsy Moth program, has also received EPA registration. Both SPLAT GM and SPLAT GM Organic were aerially applied as part of the area-wide program in 2010. Additional tests are underway to extend organic certification to all SPLAT formulations for mating disruption.