Determining mechanisms of mating disruption of Oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta) using large field cages

Studies were performed to determine the mechanisms under which mating disruptions acts for oriental fruit moth. Large field cages permitted control of experimental variables including moth density and findability of pheromone sources. The effects of point source density and release rate on capture of male moths in a central monitoring trap were examined. At lower release rates, changes in dispenser density had no effect on captures of oriental fruit moths in the central trap. At higher release rates, as dispenser density increased, capture in the central monitoring trap decreased at a linear rate. Results indicate, at low release rates, mating disruption for oriental fruit moth operates via competitive attraction. Under higher release rates, commonly found in association with commercially available dispensers, oriental fruit moth disruption works via a non-competitive mechanism.