Worldwide Use of Mating Disruption
Continues to Rise

Mating disruption products for the management of various insect pests have been in commercial use now for around 2 decades. Worldwide use of these products continues to grow rapidly with over 390,000 hectares treated annually. Indicative of this expanding use were the numerous and diverse presentations on research and extension efforts with mating disruption (MD) techniques at the Western Orchard Pest & Disease Management Conference in Portland, Oregon in January. Fifteen of around 80 talks were specifically on MD and at least that many again mentioned pest management trials that included MD somewhere in their comparisons. Walt Bentley from the University of California Kearney Research and Extension Center reported that 80 to 85% of fresh market peaches and around 50% of processing peach acreage in California now rely on MD for management of oriental fruit moth. Most of that acreage needs no supplemental insecticides for pest control. Of course California has a different climate and different pest pressures than Ontario, but it has been demonstrated that MD can be an effective and economic alternative to standard pesticide programs in our climate as well (see various MD articles in previous TFGV newsletters).

The intensive agriculture in California and other states has allowed the development of several novel pheromone dispensing systems including micro fibers, micro flakes, “meso-emitters”, “puffers”, and sprayable formulations. For the time being in Ontario, we are limited to point-source dispensers – mostly the twist-tie style of pheromone dispensers, although clip type dispensers are now in the registration process. Sprayable formulations are not in our marketplace anymore, but hopefully will return eventually as they are a useful adjunct to dispensers.

An important component of any IPM strategy, including MD programs, is regular, reliable monitoring. A monitoring plan should be in place before the growing season starts and there are private consultants who can assist you with that plan and the seasonal monitoring. Mating disruption is not a suitable strategy for all sites, so a site evaluation by an experienced consultant is important before moving to MD.

If you are considering adopting mating disruption for management of oriental fruit moth, grape berry moth, codling moth, or peach tree borer, there are two OMAFRA publications that can help you understand the basics of MD. Mating Disruption for Management of Insect Pests, Order No. 03-079 and Mating Disruption for Management of Oriental Fruit Moth in Stone and Pome Fruit, Order No. 04-029 are both available at OMAFRA offices or on our website.

Related Links

• Mating Disruption for Management of Insect Pests, Order No. 03-079
• Mating Disruption for Management of Oriental Fruit Moth in Stone and Pome Fruit, Order No. 04-029