Gender-specific attractants for Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley: development and field evaluation of semi-solid slow-release formulations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58628/JAE-2622-110Keywords:
Conopomorpha sinensis; gender-specific attractants; semi-solid formulation; pest management; volatiles; pheromonesAbstract
The use of semiochemicals to manipulate insect chemosensory behaviour is an emerging and environmentally sustainable approach for pest management, although its application remains limited to a few agricultural systems. In the present study, an innovative strategy was developed for the management of the litchi fruit borer, Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), a major pest of litchi. Whole-insect maceration was employed to obtain a broad spectrum of volatile compounds, including body- and sex-specific attractants. The extracted volatiles were purified using column chromatography and subsequently formulated into semi-solid, slow-release attractant products suitable for field application. This approach preserves the natural composition and integrity of volatile constituents, closely mimicking the chemical profile emitted by live insects. Two formulations were developed: Product 1 from female insects and Product 2 from male insects. Their attraction efficiency was evaluated using Delta traps under field conditions during the peak adult activity period. The results demonstrated clear gender-specific responses, with male moths showing strong attraction to Product 1, while female moths were preferentially attracted to Product 2. To our knowledge, this is the first report of gender-specific attractants for C. sinensis.
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