Interference with the Mate-Finding Communication System of the Obliquebanded Leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Using Synthetic Sex Pheromones

Effect of atmospheric permeation with synthetic sex pheromone on the behavior and control of obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), was studied in small and large plots in commercial apple orchards. Synthetic sex pheromone significantly reduced the ability of male moths to locate pheromone-baited traps and tethered females; however, no differences were found among 3 pheromone rates. Location of pheromone dispensers within the tree canopy did not alter the number of males locating pheromone-baited traps and mating tethered females. Obliquebanded leafroller activity was greatest in the upper positions of the tree canopy and no edge effect was observed around perimeters of large disrupted blocks. The presence of gravid feral females, mated tethered females, high larval densities, and fruit damage within large pheromone disrupted blocks indicate obliqubanded leafrollers mate in orchards treated with synthetic sex pheromone. However, fruit damage caused by obliquebanded leafroller larvae was similar in pheromone, pheromone plus insecticide, and insecticide treatments.