CONTROLLED-RELEASE SEX PHEROMONE LURES FOR MONITORING SPRUCE BUDWORM POPULATIONS

Abstract

AbstractFive formulations of the primary sex pheromone components of the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.]) were evaluated as lures for monitoring spruce budworm populations: Biolures (Consep Membranes Inc.), Luretape plastic flakes (Hercon, Healthchem Corp.), polyethylene vials (International Pheromone Systems), hollow fibers (Albany International), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pellets. PVC pellets showed significant loss in attractiveness over the required 6-week period. Also, different batches of PVC pellets had very different rates of pheromone release and attraction; the oldest lures, stored for the longest period, were the most attractive. Luretape caught fewer moths than anticipated from the release-rate data and showed wide variation in catch among individual lures. Fibers were inconsistent. Biolures and polyethylene vials showed the lowest decline in attractiveness over time and the lowest variation in catch among individual lures, but their capture rates were higher than necessary.