Characterization of Microencapsulated Pear Ester, (2E,4Z)-Ethyl-2,4-decadienoate, a Kairomonal Spray Adjuvant against Neonate Codling Moth Larvae

Abstract

Codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is the key pest of apples, pears, and walnuts worldwide. The pear-derived kairomone, ethyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate, the pear ester (PE), evokes attraction and arrestment of CM larvae. Microencapsulated PE formulation (PE-MEC) enhances the control efficacy of insecticides when used as a spray adjuvant. Characterization of the microencapsulated kairomone, including microcapsule size, concentrations, emission rates, and larval response, was performed. Microcapsule diameter ranged from 2 to 14 mum, with 68% of capsules being 2-3 mum, and the concentration of microcapsules averaged 25.9 x 10(4) capsules per mL of field spray solution. Headspace collections showed emission of PE was related to PE-MEC concentration and was best described as first-order power decay. Neonate larvae responded to PE-MEC applications aged through 14 days. These results demonstrated that application of PE-MEC concurrent with insecticides may increase neonate foliar wandering, thereby disrupting host location and enhancing mortality by prolonging its exposure to insecticide.

Adding microencapsulated pear ester to insecticides for control of Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in apple

“…PE‐MEC reduced total fruit injury at marginally significant rates ( P < 0.10) with full rates of acetamiprid, thiacloprid and spinosad applied at 14 day intervals, while reductions in internal fruit injury were significant. These data are consistent with the 14 day effectiveness of PE‐MEC that was found in laboratory studies . In contrast, the addition of PE‐MEC did not improve the efficacy of spinetoram and only improved chlorantraniliprole at the higher of the two rates tested.…”

“…These variable results make it difficult to summarize the overall utility of including PE‐MEC in insecticidal management of codling moth in apple. The behavioral activity of PE‐MEC for codling moth neonates was expressed in choice experiments as increased arrestment periods on treated substrates . Similar results have been found on host foliage where PE‐MEC interfered with the ability of neonates to locate the leaf base and petiole of treated leaves .…”

“…The characteristics and emission profile of a microencapsulated formulation of pear ester (PE‐MEC) have been well studied in the laboratory . The formulation consists of 2–3 µm capsules releasing pear ester at pg h −1 at typical field rates.…”

Evaluating Dispensers Loaded With Codlemone and Pear Ester for Disruption of Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

“…Applications of this sprayable formulation every 2 wk have enhanced the level of disruption that can be achieved with codlemone-only dispensers Knight 2005, Knight et al 2010). Cidetrak CM-DA MEC can also signiÞcantly improve the efÞcacy of some insecticides against codling moth larvae (Schmidt et al 2008, Light andBeck 2010).…”

Monitoring codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in orchards treated with pear ester and sex pheromone combo dispensers

“…The identification of pear ester, ethyl ( E , Z )‐2,4‐decadienoate as an adult and larval attractant (Light et al. 2001; Knight and Light 2001) has led to new management approaches, including a microencapsulated adjuvant used with larval insecticides (Light and Beck 2010; Light and Knight 2011). The combination of pear ester with codlemone (PH‐PE) in a lure is effective for monitoring both sexes of codling moth in sex pheromone‐treated orchards (Knight et al.…”