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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #427849
Research Project: Mitigation of Invasive Pest Threats to U.S. Subtropical Agriculture

Location: Subtropical Horticulture Research

Title: Developing a cheaper, longer-lasting way to track cocoa's most costly pest, the cocoa pod borer, Conopomorpha cramerella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

Author
item NIOGRET, JEROME - Mars Australia
item Tabanca, Nurhayat
item Zhang, Aijun

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/3/2026
Publication Date: 2/3/2026
Citation: Niogret, J., Tabanca, N., Zhang, A. 2026. Developing a cheaper, longer-lasting way to track cocoa's most costly pest, the cocoa pod borer, Conopomorpha cramerella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). Meeting Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: An attractant based on kairomones, developed through an innovative partnership between MARS Wrigley and the United States Department of Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS) has the potential to revolutionize cocoa farmers' monitoring practices and enhance the profitability of stakeholders. This discovery leverages compounds from lychee extract and offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional pheromone lures. It not only reduces pest control expenses but also significantly enhances the precision of monitoring activities, providing a sense of reassurance and confidence in its effectiveness.