Biodegradable electrospun fibers as sustained‐release carriers of insect pheromones for field trapping of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

BACKGROUNDInsect pheromones are highly effective and environmentally friendly, and are widely used in the monitoring and trapping of pests. However, many researchers have found that various factors such as ultraviolet light and temperature in the field environment can accelerate the volatilization of pheromones, thus affecting the actual control effect. In recent years, electrospinning technology has demonstrated remarkable potential in the preparation of sustained carriers. Moreover, the utilization of biodegradable materials in electrospinning presents a promising avenue for the advancement of eco‐friendly carriers.RESULTSIn this study, homogeneous and defect‐free pheromone carriers were obtained by electrospinning using fully biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate materials and pheromones of Spodoptera litura. The electrospun fibers with porous structure could continuously release pheromone (the longest can be ≤80 days). They also had low light transmission, hydrophobic protection. More importantly, the pheromone‐loaded electrospun fiber carriers showed stable release and good trapping effect in the field. They could trap pests for at least 7 weeks in the field environment without other light stabilizers added.CONCLUSIONSustained‐release carriers constructed by electrospinning and green materials could improve the efficacy of pheromones and ensure environmental friendliness, and provided a tool for the management of S. litura and other pests and sustainable development of agricultural. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nano-Micro Core–Shell Fibers for Efficient Pest Trapping

“…Electrospun fiber is a flexible and functionalized material with large specific surface area, which has great potential in the application of carrier materials. , A small number of researchers have begun to explore the combination of pheromones and electrospun fibers. The research results proved that electrospun fibers loaded with insect sex pheromones can prolong release time for pest control. − In our previous research, a biodegradable uniaxial fiber was prepared, which can be effectively used for field control of S. litura . However, as with all existing reports, the monoaxial fibers cannot well solve the problem of burst release of insect sex pheromones.…”

“…Specifically, this study investigated the morphology, structure, encapsulation efficiency, hydrophobicity, light transmittance, and release performance of pheromone-loaded core–shell fibers. The above properties were all related to the application potential of pheromone-loaded fiber carriers . Furthermore, this study focused on the effectiveness of field trapping of pheromone-loaded core–shell fibers on S. litura in an herbal garden and the degree of biodegradation of these fibers.…”

Novel Aphid-Repellent Fiber Mats Based on Poly(lactic acid)-Containing Ionic Liquids

“…For these reasons, functionalized electrospun fibers have been widely investigated for food packaging with antimicrobial activity . However, the application of the electrospinning process in agriculture remains largely unexplored, with only a few studies evaluating their potential against insects, like mosquito repellents , or even insect-traps with promising results. More recently, some papers reported the use of electrospun nanofibers as a seed coating. , Therefore, electrospun mats could be well suited to incorporate ILs as new aphid-repellents for crop protection.…”