Potential for mating disruption of Sparganothis sulfureana (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae) in cranberries

The feasibility of disrupting mating of Sparganothis fruitworm with a spray able microencapsulated formulation of (E)-11-tetrudecenyl acetate (E11-14:A c). the major pheromone component, was evaluated, in New Jersey during 1996 slid 1997 seasons. In both years, application of encapsulated E11-14:Ac, a t 35-187.5 g (AI) /ha reduced tile incidence of mating of virgin females pl aced in treated plots relative to those placed in control plots. Pheromone trap catches were lower in pheromone treated plots, indicating that fewer m ale moths were able to locate the traps in treated plots. Larval density an d fruit damage were significantly lower in plots treated with 62.5, 125, or 187.5 g (AI) /ha of pheromone than in the untreated control. Air and folia ge samples were collected to determine the air titers and foliage residuals of E11-14:Ac throughout the adult night during 1996 and 1997. E11-14:Ac le vels in air and foliage samples, declined sharply one wk after the I,pherom one application. However, detectable levels of E11-14:Ac were present in bo th air and foliage samples throughout the 3- to 4-wk period after the phero mone application. Multiple applications of pheromone at lower rates may be more effective in maintaining pheromone levels than a single dose at higher rates. These results suggest that mating disruption is a promising strateg y to manage Sparganothis fruitworm in cranberries.