Pheromone-based mating disruption in Wisconsin cranberries

Authors: DEUTSCH, ANNIE - University Of Wisconsin; MAFRA-NETO, AGENOR - Isca Technologies, Inc; SOJKA, JAYNE - Lady Bug Integrated Pest Management; DITTL, TIM - Ocean Spray; Zalapa, Juan; Steffan, Shawn

Submitted to: Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/2014
Publication Date: 1/22/2014
Citation: Deutsch, A., Mafra-Neto, A., Sojka, J., Dittl, T., Zalapa, J.E., Steffan, S.A. 2014. Pheromone-based mating disruption in Wisconsin cranberries [abstract]. Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Pheromone-based mating disruption is a promising method of pest control in cranberries. Three moth species, cranberry fruitworm, Acrobasis vaccinii Riley (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Sparganothis fruitworm, Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), and black-headed fireworm, Rhopobota naevana Hübner (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), are perennial pests of cranberries in Wisconsin. The sex pheromones of all three species have been isolated and are commercially available. In 2012 we partnered with ISCA Technologies, Inc. (Riverside, CA) and Wisconsin cranberry growers to perform a multi-species mating disruption trial in cranberry. The pheromones were loaded into ISCA’s novel paraffin wax carrier, SPLAT®, which was applied directly to the cranberry vines. In 2012 we tested a 2-species blend (Sparganothis fruitworm and black-headed fireworm) at four marshes in central Wisconsin. Despite multiple logistical issues, including extremely low trap counts at two marshes, and an irregular spray program at the third, trapping data from one marsh showed 88% disruption for black-headed fireworm and 61% disruption for Sparganothis fruitworm in the SPLAT block verses the control. In 2013, the 3-species blend will be deployed at six marshes, totaling 50 acres under mating disruption. Results from the 2013 season will be discussed.