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Title: Using response surface methods to explore and optimize mating disruption of the leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

Author
item WILLETT, DENIS - University Of Florida
item STELINSKI, LUKASZ - University Of Florida
item Lapointe, Stephen

Submitted to: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/7/2015
Publication Date: 3/25/2015
Citation: Willett, D..S., Stelinski, L.L., Lapointe, S.L. 2015. Using response surface methods to explore and optimize mating disruption of the leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 3:30.

Interpretive Summary: The application of synthetic sex pheromones to disrupt mating of agricultural pests can be an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides. To obtain the best results for growers, we must examine multiple and interrelated variables such as the location and number of pheromone dispensers within a crop. Techniques that allow researchers to maximize return on investment for the grower should contribute to wider adoption of this technology in agriculture, especially in situations where the synthetic pheromone is expensive. We present pertinent research data associated with a citrus pest highlighting the importance of experiment design for understanding the underlying biological dynamics governing mating disruption and optimizing its implementation.

Technical Abstract: The application of synthetic sex pheromones to disrupt mating of agricultural pests can be an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to pesticide applications. Optimizing mating disruption by manipulating multiple and interrelated variables such as the distribution and number of pheromone dispensers would contribute to wider adoption in agriculture, especially in situations where pheromone synthesis is expensive. Simulations and field experiments designed to produce response surfaces indicated that an experimental approach focusing on one factor at a time limits both understanding and optimization. Monte Carlo simulations of a spatially explicit agent-based model resulted in nonlinear disruption profiles with increasing point source density. Field trials conducted in citrus infested by the leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella varied the amount of pheromone applied at each point source and point source density under competitive and noncompetitive disruption scenarios using the natural pheromone blend and a single component blend, respectively. Trap catch disruption in the field resulted in nonlinear disruption profiles similar to those observed with simulations. Response surfaces showed an interaction between the amount of pheromone applied and the number of point sources for the competitive scenario, but not for the noncompetitive scenario. Disruption surfaces were combined with cost curves to optimize mating disruption under real world cost constraints. The methods used here highlight the importance of experiment design for understanding the underlying biological dynamics governing mating disruption and optimizing its implementation.