Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » Vegetable Crops Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #293411
Title: Multi-species mating disruption in cranberries

Author
item DEUTSCH, ANNIE - University Of Wisconsin
item SOJKA, JAYNE - Lady Bug Integrated Pest Management
item DITTL, TIM - Ocean Spray
item MAFRA-NETO, AGENOR - Isca Technologies, Inc
item Zalapa, Juan
item Steffan, Shawn

Submitted to: North American Cranberry Research and Extension Workers Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/14/2013
Publication Date: 8/27/2013
Citation: Deutsch, A., Sojka, J., Dittl, T., Mafra-Neto, A., Zalapa, J.E., Steffan, S.A. 2013. Multi-species mating disruption in cranberries [abstract]. North American Cranberry Research and Extension Workers Annual Meeting. p. 2.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cranberries in Wisconsin are often attacked by three moth species, known commonly as Sparganothis fruitworm, cranberry fruitworm, and black-headed fireworm. These moth species require multiple insecticide applications each season in Wisconsin. With the loss of certain broad-spectrum insecticides and the growing concern over chemical residues in fruit, there is a need for alternative pest management tools for these pests. Past work has shown that pheromone-based mating disruption in cranberry systems holds much promise. Fortuitously, the pheromones for these three moth species have been isolated and are commercially available. We partnered with ISCA Technologies, Inc. (Riverside, CA) and Wisconsin cranberry growers in 2012 to investigate the potential of a 3-species mating disruption blend. ISCA manufactured a carrier (SPLAT®) loaded with the pheromones of the target species. By mid-spring in 2012, only the 2-species blend (black-headed fireworm and Sparganothis) was ready for field deployment. SPLAT® was successfully deployed at four marshes in central Wisconsin. Despite multiple logistical issues, trapping data suggest that a measurable degree of disruption was achieved for Sparganothis and black-headed fireworm. In 2013, the 3-species blend will be deployed at six marshes, representing a total of 50 acres under mating disruption. Results from the 2013 season will be discussed.