Evaluation of Pheromone Dispensers for Use in Gypsy Moth Detection (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)2

Seven controlled-release dispenser formulations containing 500 μg of gypsy moth pheromone (+)-disparlure, were compared in laboratory and field tests. Pheromone release rates, residual pheromone contents, and male moth captures in traps baited with the dispensers were compared following pre-aging of the dispensers in a greenhouse at 35 °C for 0, 4, 12, and 16 wk. The laminate dispenser, now used in USDA detection traps, became less attractive over time as its pheromone release rate and content dropped below the threshold values previously reported as necessary for effective attraction. A polyvinyl chloride coated twine dispenser produced high male moth captures and gave release rates and residual contents above these thresholds (30 ng/h release rate and 100 μg content) at all aging periods. The tube-A dispenser was the most effective of the new commercially prepared formulations, followed by the membrane and tube-B whose male moth captures and release rates tended to increase with aging time. The capsule and film dispensers were the least effective of the formulations tested.