Disruption of olfactory communication in oriental fruit moth and lesser appleworm in a Virginia peach orchard

Abstract

Dispensers (20-cm polyethylene capillary tubing “ropes”) containing Oriental fruit moth pheromone were placed in a 4-ha block of peaches shortly before first male flight. This placement of ropes disrupted attraction to conventional pheromone traps for the duration of the season. Fruit damage was not significantly different from that in a control block (conventional pesticide application): twig damage was significantly lower relative to the control. Implications for pest management in mature and nonbearing blocks are discussed.