Recipient Organization
ALPHA SCENTS, INC.
7676 TUTTLE ROAD
BRIDGEPORT,NY 13030
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The citrus leafminer (CLM) is an important pest of citrus originally found in Florida in 1993 and in Texas in 1994; currently, CLM has spread through most citrus growing regions of the US. Larval-stage feeding results in serious damage to leaves and predisposes trees to citrus canker. Female CLM release their pheromone to attract males for mating. Alpha Scents Phase I research has proved the technical feasibility for the pheromone-based Attract and Kill (A&K), MalEx CLM targeting citrus leafminer. Phase I research characterized application timing, placement, formulation longevity, and behavioral efficacy against this species. In Phase II, we propose commercial scale trials in collaboration with citrus growers in Florida, Texas, and California. A&K technology selectively removes male moths of the target species from the ecosystem with negligible impact on other organisms by combining the selectivity of pheromones (0.024 g/ha) with the toxicity of insecticide (21 g/ha) in a hydrophobic bait that precludes run-off or drift, thus preventing ecosystem contamination and damage.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The objective of Phase I was to determine the effectiveness of A&K formulation. The attractiveness of formulation for CLM, as well as the importance of trap placement, was determined in the field using baited traps. A&K performance and longevity of the formulations was demonstrated in small plot field tests. The chemical longevity of the formulation was determined in the laboratory. Phase II efforts will focus on the development of the formulation for large scale testing in citrus groves, at different application rates per unit of land, for the CLM control. The chemical and biological longevity, and release rate parameters of prototype formulations under field conditions will be characterized and optimized for long term performance. We will also focus resources on the development and testing of user-friendly mechanical application technology as well as conduct all tests required to register the product. Alpha Scents will also seek product registration from US Environmental Protection Agency. Phase II of this research program will focus on the evaluation of A&K formulations, arising from research conducted in Phase I. Large scale field trials will be conducted in Florida, Texas, and California under the supervision of Dr. Czokajlo, with the assistance of Drs. Stelinski, Lapointe, and Setamou. Finally, Alpha Scents will develop experimental and other data necessary to support application for product registration with the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Project Methods
The trials will be carried out in citrus groves at three different locations: in Florida, Texas, and California. The performance of A&K trials will be measured by monitoring moth population using standard pheromone-baited survey traps and the reduction in trap captures in treated plots compared with those in the control areas will serve to evaluate the efficacy of the attracticide treatment. Efficacy will also be determined by comparing leaf mining levels in treated and control plots. Crop damage on treated plots will be assessed and compared to that of untreated plots. In the first year we will establish trials at three different locations per state. We will adjust amount of insecticide. At each location replicate, we will establish one 3 acre plot for each of four treatments giving us a total of 12 3 acre plots per state, or 36 plots across this 3 state research program. The formulation will be applied with handapplicator. Decision on timing of application will be made based on captures of CLM males in traps set up early in the spring. Once the CLM populations start to emerge, the formulation will be deployed in the field. Following first application we will reapply the formulation two more times every 4-7 weeks. Again, decision on reapplication will be made base on captures of moths in monitoring traps. In Year Two of the project, we will test the best performing formulation from Year One at two locations in substantially larger plots, and/or in plots with substantial isolation from surrounding untreated areas, and compare damage levels with untreated control plots replicated across three states. Careful plot selection will be a particularly high priority in year-two to minimize the possible confounding effects of female moths migrating into treated areas and ovipositing fertile eggs. Statistical analyses will take location into the analysis as a factor (eg. treatment, site and treatment x site interactions). Concurrent with the above experiment, Dr. Czokajlo will conduct a series of chemical analyses to determine the release properties of the experimental lures. Fresh and aged lures will be analyzed for total pheromone emissions, ratios of pheromone components, and toxicant levels.