Articles
Mating disruption and population development of Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in apricot orchards
Article number
1449_35
Pages
265 – 270
Language
English
Abstract
Mating disruption (MD) is not just a theoretical concept but a practical and environmentally friendly pest management technique.
The species-specificity and low toxicity of pheromone applications have led to their consideration for use in area-wide programs to manage invasive moths.
This study, conducted at the Fruit Growing Institute, Agricultural Academy, Bulgaria, adds to the growing body of credible research, providing practical evidence of the potential of mating disruption as an effective pest control method in real-world agricultural settings.
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mating disruption (MD) in controlling oriental fruit moths (Grapholita molesta Busck.) in apricot orchards.
The present study’s mating disruption trial was conducted with ISOMATE® OFM-TT dispensers in a 0.9 ha apricot orchard in 2020-2022. According to the list of permitted plant protection products for Bulgaria, ISOMATE® OFM-TT has a category of non-professional use.
According to the manufacturer’s recommendation, the placement height is 2/3 of the total height of the trees, once during the growing season.
Pheromone traps type “Delta” of the Hungarian company CSALOMON® were used.
The ISOMATE OFM-TT dispensers, installed before the first flight of oriental fruit moth (OFM) at the rate of 250 units per ha, efficiently reduced shoot damage – down to 0.0-0.5%. In the reference orchard with five insecticide treatments against OFM, damage reached 6.0-10.0% in individual years.
The results of this study offer more than just theoretical insights.
They provide practical evidence that mating disruption can be effectively used in IPM management for apricot orchards, offering a promising alternative to chemical treatments.
The species-specificity and low toxicity of pheromone applications have led to their consideration for use in area-wide programs to manage invasive moths.
This study, conducted at the Fruit Growing Institute, Agricultural Academy, Bulgaria, adds to the growing body of credible research, providing practical evidence of the potential of mating disruption as an effective pest control method in real-world agricultural settings.
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mating disruption (MD) in controlling oriental fruit moths (Grapholita molesta Busck.) in apricot orchards.
The present study’s mating disruption trial was conducted with ISOMATE® OFM-TT dispensers in a 0.9 ha apricot orchard in 2020-2022. According to the list of permitted plant protection products for Bulgaria, ISOMATE® OFM-TT has a category of non-professional use.
According to the manufacturer’s recommendation, the placement height is 2/3 of the total height of the trees, once during the growing season.
Pheromone traps type “Delta” of the Hungarian company CSALOMON® were used.
The ISOMATE OFM-TT dispensers, installed before the first flight of oriental fruit moth (OFM) at the rate of 250 units per ha, efficiently reduced shoot damage – down to 0.0-0.5%. In the reference orchard with five insecticide treatments against OFM, damage reached 6.0-10.0% in individual years.
The results of this study offer more than just theoretical insights.
They provide practical evidence that mating disruption can be effectively used in IPM management for apricot orchards, offering a promising alternative to chemical treatments.
Publication
Authors
P. Ivanov
Keywords
oriental fruit moth, stone fruit, density, pheromones, monitoring, dispensers
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