Influence of weather conditions on Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) mating disruption dispensers’ emission rates and efficacy

Passive dispensers are the most widely used dispensers to control the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), by mating disruption (MD). Although their efficacy is well-proven, efforts are needed to reduce the use of pheromone without compromising efficacy and to allow lower MD costs. For this purpose, two different widely employed dispenser types in Europe against this pest (Ampoule and Rope dispensers) were evaluated in the field to verify their performance (emission rates and efficacy) in relation to weather conditions. Their release profiles were studied by extracting and quantifying the residual pheromone load over time by gas chromatography. Dispensers' performance in relation to weather conditions was then assessed by correlating the daily emission rates with the mean daily values of several of these variables. Although both dispenser types were efficient in controlling L. botrana populations and reducing fruit damage, their pheromone content and their release rates differed at the end of the crop cycle. The Ampoule dispensers emitted lower amounts of pheromone throughout the study period, whereas the Rope dispensers’ emissions were weather-dependent, with higher emission rates at higher mean temperatures and wind speeds. Our results showed that the current commercial MD dispensers could be improved by adjusting their release rates to better reflect actual pheromone requirements.