Regulatory Innovation, Mating Disruption and 4-Play(TM) in New Zealand

Straight-chained lepidopteran pheromones are now regulated under a group standard in New Zealand, which is generic for moth pheromone products of similar low risk, under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (1996). This means that compliant new pheromone products can be developed and commercialized with low regulatory requirements. This encourages innovation and supports fruit industries interested in meeting export phytosanitary standards, while targeting low or nil residues of pesticides. Changes to pheromone blends for reasons such as technical improvements or variations in pest species composition in different crops can be made with minimal regulatory involvement. We illustrate how this system now operates with a four species mating disruption product commercialized in 2012. The odors involved in "4-Play™" consist of a range of components used by codling moth (Cydia pomonella), lightbrown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana), green-headed leafroller (Planotortrix octo), and brown-headed leafroller (Ctenopseustis obliquana). The development of 4-Play™ illustrates how mating disruption of insects can support industry goals.