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Title: Development of a pheromone elution rate physical model

Author
item TESKE, MILTON - Continuum Dynamics Inc
item THISTLE, HAROLD - Us Forest Service (FS)
item STROM, BRIAN - Us Forest Service (FS)
item Zhu, Heping

Submitted to: Biological Engineering (ASABE)
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/10/2015
Publication Date: 6/30/2015
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/61296
Citation: Teske, M., Thistle, H., Strom, B., Zhu, H. 2015. Development of a pheromone elution rate physical model. Biological Engineering (ASABE). 7(4):183-202.

Interpretive Summary: Semiochemicals have become important staples for insect species detection and population monitoring in forestry. However, they have limited success to be resource protectants to control pest insects due to faulty elution devices typically resulted from release rates being unpredictable and thereby leaving the resource unprotected. In this study, a diffusion model was developed to apply laboratory and field data detailing the elution of semiochemicals from pheromone dispensers. The model appeared to correlate well with regard to changes in ambient temperature, relative humidity, and remaining mass. Therefore, this study provides the first step toward understanding and quantifying the behavior of pheromone dispensers for their intended field applications. As a result, the model will aid in controlling elution process of dispensers and provide guidance to practitioners who are responsible for deploying these devices to manage forest insects.

Technical Abstract: A first principle modeling approach is applied to available data describing the elution of semiochemicals from pheromone dispensers. These data include field data for 27 products developed by several manufacturers, including homemade devices, as well as laboratory data collected on three semiochemical products. The goal of this effort is to understand the underlying mechanisms controlling the elution process and to provide guidance to forest managers responsible for positioning these devices to avert insect infestation of valuable timberlands in the United States.