Feeding Attractant and Stimulant for Adult Control of Noctuid and/or Other Lepidopteran Species

Technology Description:

The invention relates to a novel composition and its use as an attractant for both male and female noctuids and other lepidopteran pests. This composition includes a mixture of effective amounts of the volatile compounds phenylacetaldehyde, methyl-2-methoxybenzoate, methyl salicylate, and optionally 2-phenylethanol and/or limonene. Pesticide control of the Helicoverpa/Heliothis species such as the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) and the tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens), as well as other lepidopteran pest species, is conventionally directed at the larvae which feed primarily on the fruiting parts of their host plants. Conventional control practices have usually involved high volume broadcast applications of insecticides on a field by field basis. This trend has resulted in major concerns for environmental contamination and food safety among consumers. The successful development of atttracticides and incorporation of this technology into adult management strategies will permit the reduction of corn earworm and other pest problems over large areas, while substantially reducing the total use of synthetic pesticides and exposure of human foods to pesticide contamination. It will also be useful in monitoring populations of noctuid and/or other lepidopteran pests, allowing growers to reduce the number of insecticide applications when populations are low.

Reference:

Please refer to Patent Number 6,074,634, which issued June 13, 2000.

Juan De Dios Lopez
Areawide Pest Management Research
2771 F&B Road
College Station, TX 77845
(979) 260-9530 / Fax: (979) 260-9386
j-lopez@tamu.edu