Journal of Chemical Ecology (2005) 31, 393-406

D.M. Suckling, A.R. Gibb, G.M. Burnip, C. Snelling, J. De Ruiter, G. Langford and A.M. El-Sayed (2005)
Optimization of pheromone lure and trap characteristics for currant clearwing, Synanthedon tipuliformis
Journal of Chemical Ecology 31 (2), 393-406
Abstract: Currant clearwing Synanthedon tipuliformis (Sesiidae) has been a pioneering and successful target of mating disruption in New Zealand, with virtually universal black currant industry adoption since c. 1990. Recent unexplained control failures using mating disruption lead to questions about pheromone efficacy. In this study, we have investigated the possible reasons for reduced control from mating disruption, and report improvements in trap catch based on pheromone loading and trap color. No differences were found in electrophysiological responses to pheromone components from two New Zealand populations. Male moth catches in traps baited with synthetic lures were disrupted in the presence of mating disruption dispensers (> 99.99%) indicating no apparent barrier to efficacy from the pheromone formulation. Field behavioral observations confirmed this result. Male attraction to yellow delta traps was equivalent to green delta traps, but was greater than to red, black, blue, or white traps. Solid yellow delta traps were more attractive than black traps with yellow stripes, the latter designed to mimic the color pattern of the insect. Solid yellow funnel traps were less attractive than a composite of green, yellow, and white funnel traps. Trap catch increased as a function of pheromone loading and trap color. In another experiment conducted in Tasmania, there was no difference in catch with single component [(E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienyl acetate] or two component lures [97% (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienyl acetate:3% (E,Z)-3,13-octadecadienyl acetate], refuting the suggestion of a different pheromone strain there.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): David Maxwell Suckling, Graham Burnip, Ashraf M. El-Sayed, Andrew R. Gibb

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Synanthedon tipuliformis	Currant/gooseberry (Ribes)	New Zealand