The optimal sex pheromone release rate for trapping the codling moth Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in the field

For successful pest management, codlemone (E, E-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol) is widely used to monitor codling moth. The pheromone release rate is essential for the lure’s attractiveness. The optimal sex pheromone release rate (V 0 ) for trapping codling moth was evaluated during 2013–2014. The overwinter generation V 0 was 6.7–33.4 μg wk −1 , and moth catches (MCs) were 0.82 ± 0.11 adults/trap/week; MCs for lower (V 1 ) and higher (V 2 ) release rates were 52.4% and 46.3%, respectively, of that for V 0 . The first generation V 0 was 18.4–29.6 μg wk −1 , with MCs of 1.45 ± 0.29 adults/week/trap. V 1 and V 2 MCs were 34.5% and 31.7%, respectively, of those for V 0 . Combining across generations, the final V 0 was 18.4–29.6 μg wk −1 , with MCs of 1.07 ± 0.06 adults/week/trap. V 1 and V 2 MCs were 51.4% and 41.1%, respectively, of that for V 0 . Overwinter generation emergence was relatively concentrated, requiring a wider V 0 . Maintaining the release rate at 18.4–29.6 μg wk −1 could optimize the lure’s efficacy; this resulted in the capture of nearly 1.9 and 2.4 times more moths than V 1 and V 2 , respectively. The results also indicate that a dispenser pheromone release rate of 200–300 times that of the female moth can perfectly outcompetes females in the field.