Potential for mating disruption of Sparganothis sulfureana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in cranberries

The feasibility of disrupting mating of Sparganothis fruitworm with a sprayable microencapsulated formulation of (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11-14:Ac), the major pheromone component, was evaluated in New Jersey during 1996 and 1997 seasons. In both years, application of encapsulated E11-14:Ac, at 25-187.5 g (AI)/ha, reduced the incidence of mating of virgin females placed in treated plots relative to those placed in control plots. Pheromone trap catches were lower in pheromone treated plots, indicating that fewer male moths were able to locate the traps in treated plots. Larval density and fruit damage were significantly lower in plots treated with 62.5,125, or 187.5 g (AI)/ha of pheromone than in the untreated control. Air and foliage samples were collected to determine the air titers and foliage residuals of E11-14:Ac throughout the adult flight during 1996 and 1997. E11-14:Ac levels in air and foliage samples, declined sharply one wk after the pheromone application. However, detectable levels of E11-14:Ac were present in both air and foliage samples throughout the 3- to 4-wk period after the pheromone application. Multiple applications of pheromone at lower rates may be more effective in maintaining pheromone levels than a single dose at higher rates. These results suggest that mating disruption is a promising strategy to manage Sparganothis fruitworm in cranberries.