Evaluating and optimizing mating disruption of navel orangeworm (Pyralidae) in almond orchards

Evaluating and optimizing mating disruption of navel orangeworm (Pyralidae) in almond orchards

Bradley S. Higbee¹ and Charles S. Burks²

¹Paramount Farming Company, 33141 E. Lerdo Hwy., Bakersfield, Calif., 93308

²USDA Agricultural Research Service, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, 9611 S. Riverbend Ave., Parlier, CA

Abstract:  The navel orangeworm (NOW), Amyelois transitella, is an important pest of almonds, pistachios and figs, affecting over 1 million acres in California. Earlier research has demonstrated that the mating disruption technique is effective in reducing damage in almonds from NOW, and has resulted in the development of a commercial product using a timed, metered release device known as a “puffer”.  In this series of studies, we attempt to optimize the approach by varying the number of puffers per acre, the amount of pheromone applied per acre, and the elevation from which the pheromone is dispensed in the almond tree. Results and possible parameters to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness will be discussed.