METEOROLOGY AND STRATEGIES FOR USING PLANT ATTRACTANTS IN ADULT NOCTUID SUPPRESSION PROGRAMS

Atmospheric variables can strongly impact the efficacy of plant-derive d attractants used as lures for suppression of noctuid pest insects. R elevant meteorological measurements are discussed that describe releas e rates of volatile plant compounds, effects of the local atmospheric environment on the spatial distribution of the volatile compounds, and the range of olfactory response of target pest insects to volatile pl ant compounds. Gaussian plume dispersion simulations using a 2-m sourc e height estimated maximum volatile concentrations 500 m down at the s urface that were 36 times greater for moderately stable atmospheric co nditions than for extremely unstable conditions. The simulations also revealed that the maximum volatile concentration was located 50 m fart her downwind for moderately stable atmospheric conditions than for ext remely unstable atmospheric conditions. Potential for development of a dult control and monitoring technology will be enhanced by understandi ng and properly monitoring spatial and temporal characteristics of atm ospheric properties within the pest biosphere.