Progress 07/01/02 to 06/30/05
Outputs
Trapping female moths with feeding attractants: Both sexes of alfalfa looper (Autographa californica) and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) were captured with Universal Moth Traps baited with double component floral chemical lures. These experiments were conducted in a corn-growing region of central Washington State during the 2003 and 2004 seasons. Female and male corn earworm moths were captured in traps baited with phenylacetaldehyde and methoxy-2-methyl-benzoate. Lures were dispensed with a polypropylene vial that provided a controlled release rate for an extended period of time. Similarly, male and female alfalfa looper moths were captured with traps baited with phenylacetaldehyde and beta-myrcene. These experiments were conducted in the Yakima Valley during the 2003 and 2004 seasons. For each male H. zea captured, more than one male was taken. With alfalfa looper, the number of females collected increased in direct proportion with the release rate of the vials.
Lures demonstrated a great potential for use in the attraction and capture of female moths. Attraction in wind tunnels: Both sexes of alfalfa looper adults were attracted (upwind flight with a zigzagging pattern) to a floral double-component chemical lure. Female moths were attracted to phenylacetaldehyde and beta-myrcene. Female alfalfa looper moths contacted the killing station 60.0% of the time. A mortality ratio of 84% (in contacted moths) was used when the killing station was loaded with Permethrin. Developing an attract and kill system: A killing station is currently being tested in the field for use in combination with lures. Field experiments are demonstrating significant reductions of female alfalfa looper on plots treated with bait stations when compared to controls. Alfalfa looper females were significantly reduced on plots treated with 50 killing stations/acre. Studies to demonstrate reduction in eggs and next generation activity are currently being conducted.
Impacts
We have shown that both male and female alfalfa looper and corn earworm moths are attracted to the floral baits phenylacetaldehyde and methoxy-2-methyl-benzoate (corn earworm) and phenylacetaldehyde and beta-myrcene (alfalfa looper). Field experiments have shown that there is a reduction in female capture when the floral baits are used in conjunction with pesticide treated killing stations. This results in a lessening of next generation eggs and larvae. If bait stations (which use small amounts of pesticide) are found to reduce numbers below economic levels, then they can be employed to drastically reduce the amount of pesticide applied to the field. Once attractants are delineated, the method should be applicable to numerous species of pestiferous moths. The method also should have applicability to organic growers by placing the traps outside of the fields or by using organic approved killing agents.
Publications
- Landolt, P.J., C. Smithhisler, T. Adams, and R.S. Zack. 2003. An improved multi-component sex attractant for trapping male western yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera praefica (Grote) (Lepidoptea: Noctuidae). Agricultural and Forest Entomology 5: 1-7.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Primarily through Leo Camelo, a PhD student, we continue to run field trials based on a number of baits and baiting regimes. Our results continue to indicate that we can influence the populations of moths in crops where their management is essential. Again, we are able to attract both males and females and to our "traps" which is a significant advance over chemical lures that attract only males. We continue to evaluate our results in terms of an overall reduction of pest status in the field with a concurrent reduction in damage.
Impacts
Although each cropping system is proving to be different, the results of our studies indicate that we can influence the reproductive potential of a pest population of moths with a concurrent reduction in pest numbers. We are also developing a better understanding of the bionomics of our study species, which is allowing us to better fine-tune our efforts. Specifically, we have developed good phenological information on reproductive development in the females and when one would need to trap in order to eliminate these females before they have had the opportunity to mate and or lay eggs.
Publications
- Landolt, P. J., R. S. Zack, D. Green, and L. DeCamelo. 2004. Cabbage looper moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) trapped with male pheromone. Florida Entomologist 87: 294-299.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
In a collaboration between and personnel from the USDA Lab in Wapato, WA, we have conducted and evaluated a first year of field research. We have tested several baits and are assessing their effectiveness at drawing moths (both males and females) to a source where they will obtain a lethal dose of an insecticide. Prelminary resullts indicate that we can attract moths to a bait and that we are able to reduce the number of adult moths in the field.
Impacts
We have found that we can influence the number of adult moths, both male and female, in the field through the use of bait stations. We will begin to conduct studies theif field season to see if a reduction in adult moths leads to a reduction in reproductive capabilities.
Publications
- Landolt, P.J., C. Smithhisler, T. Adams and R.S. Zack. 2003. An improved multi-component sex attractant for trapping male western yellowstriped armyworm, Spodoptera praefica (Grote) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Agricultural & Forest Entomology 5: 1-7.
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