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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #135975
Title: RELEASE RATE OF TRIMEDLURE UNDER SUBTROPICAL CONDITIONS

Author
item Epsky, Nancy
item Heath, Robert
item Schnell, Elena

Submitted to: Fruit Flies of Economic Importance International Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2002
Publication Date: 5/15/2002
Citation: Epsky, N.D., Heath, R.R., Schnell, E.Q. 2002. Release Rate of Trimedlure Under Subtropical Conditions. Fruit Flies of Economic Importance International Symposium.

Interpretive Summary: ABSTRACT ONLY

Technical Abstract: Trimedlure (TML), tert-butyl 4 (and 5)-chloro-2-methylcyclo-hexane-1-carboxylate, is a powerful attractant for males of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, and is used extensively throughout the world for detecting and monitoring populations of this insect pest. Trimedlure consists of four trans and four cis isomers. The trans isomers have been found to be the most attractive and the most biologically active isomer is the trans isomer C, tert-butyl cis-4-chloro-trans-2-methylcyclo-hexane-1-carboxylate. Release rate information is often determined gravimetrically, with change in weight recorded over time. However, this does not accurately reflect remaining amounts of the isomers as the ratio of the four isomers changes over time. Studies were conducted to evaluate the release rate of the four trans isomers from two formulations of TML over time for TML exposed to subtropical environmental conditions. Three sets of each of two formulations of TML were placed in Jackson traps and suspended in trees at the USDA/ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station in Miami, FL. Release rates were quantified using gas chromatographic analysis and all release rates were standardized to 99%+ pure isomer C. Release rates were analyzed from formulations exposed to summer conditions in Florida for 8 weeks, a period with high humidity and high temperatures. To determine directly the relationship between release rate and temperature, a laboratory experiment was conducted in which release rates were measured from the two formulations at constant temperatures of 18, 24 and 29 oC. Results of this research will allow improved prediction of longevity of TML formulations under a variety of environmental conditions.