ARS | Publication request: Mating Disruption for Control of Navel Orangeworm in Almonds in Central California

Submitted to: Entomology Society of America Pacific Branch Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 22, 2010
Publication Date: April 10, 2010
Citation: Burks, C.S., Higbee, B.S., Daane, K.M., Siegel, J.P., Brandl, D.G. 2010. Mating Disruption for Control of Navel Orangeworm in Almonds in Central California. Entomology Society of America Pacific Branch Meeting. p.23.

Technical Abstract: Previous research showed that mating disruption can significantly reduce damage by the navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker), to almonds at harvest. However, that research was conducted in Kern County and primarily in the variety Nonpareil and a few varieties, such as Monterey and Carmel, commonly used as pollenizers for Nonpareil. Here we present data examining the impact of mating disruption as a part of integrated management of navel orangeworm in a different geographical location and under different conditions of production, including substantial representation of the varieties Butte and Padre. Mating disruption completely eliminated the capture of males in sticky traps baited with unmated females as a pheromone source. Males captured in traps in adjacent untreated comparison plots were also greatly reduced. An extensive grid of egg traps showed less oviposition in mating disruption treatment plots than in control plots. There was significantly less navel orangeworm damage in treated compared to comparison plots after mating disruption was applied, but not in pre-treatment baseline comparison plots. These data demonstrate that mating disruption had a significant impact on navel orangeworm behavior, fertility, and damage under the conditions at this site.