Dual action organic formulation to control two stages of insect pests

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling leaf-eating insect populations. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and systems for controlling gypsy moth populations at the larval and adult stages utilizing a long lasting wax emulsion formulation for the controlled release of a larvicide and a mating disruption pheromone that can be mechanically applied using conventional spray equipment.

#2. Background of the Invention

#The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

#Semiochemical formulations should exhibit a zero-order-release rate and sustain release levels above a certain threshold for a long period of time, wherein release levels below threshold would only have a negligible disruptive effect on the behavior of the target insect. With a couple of exceptions, when formulated with less than 10% active ingredient (Al) Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology (SPLAT) consistently provides a near zero-order-release rate of the semiochemical, with negligible flash-off around the time of application.

#The initial research and development that culminated into the existing SPLAT technology was done using Grapholita molesta, the Oriental fruit moth (OFM), a serious pest of apples worldwide, as the model insect. When formulated with less than 10% OFM pheromone, SPLAT consistently provided a near zero-order-release rate with negligible flash-off. Field trials in large commercial apple operations in South America indicated that SPLAT formulations containing 15 g pheromone per acre sustained nearly complete trap shutdown for over 180 days, which actually translated in a significant reduction of OFM fruit damage, as compared to that found in the grower's traditional chemical control. Analysis of the field “aged” SPLAT indicated that there were different levels of pheromone remaining in the point source of SPLAT by the end of the 180 day trial period, and it was related to the position of the dollop in the canopy (receiving more or less solar incidence) as well as the actual size of the dollop analyzed: pheromone in microdollops was undetectable, whereas 1 g dollops still contained 5-10% and 5 to 10 g dollops retained between 10 and 25% AI.