Project Number: 5352-22000-017-05
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Dec 17, 2004
End Date: Dec 16, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is the development of improved sprayable pheromone formulations and improved application techniques for these formulations.

Approach:
The Yakima Agr. Res. Lab. will evaluate the application of microencapsulated sex pheromone formulation for codling moth using several application techniques. Several types of studies will be conducted under this agreement. Replicated plots of apple will be treated with one of several application techniques, and the disruption of codling moth to lure-baited traps will be assessed during the season and levels of fruit injury will be sampled at mid-season and prior to harvest. Microcapsules treated with a fluorescent dye will be applied with these different spray techniques and the distribution and density of capsules within apple, pear, and walnut canopies will be assessed. Factors affecting the distribution of capsules will be optimized during these tests. A flight tunnel will be used to assess the attractiveness over time of apple, pear, and walnut leaves treated with microcapsules on either their top or bottom surface under field conditions. The microencapsulated formulation will be combined with an insecticide to assess the potential of an "attract-and-kill" approach. The potential for phytotoxic leaf effects following spray applications will be assessed throughout the season. Documents Trust with Suterra LLC. Log 27045. Formerly 5352-22000-015-35T (6/05).