In Spain, researchers have explored mating disruption as a strategy within the integrated management system targeting the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta. The study highlights the correlation between the dosage in tubing dispensers and their effectiveness in attracting pests.
Specifically, the use of E3Z8Z11-14:Ac and a binary mixture with E3Z8-14:Ac, at a dosage of 80 mg across 900 polyethylene (PE) tube dispensers per hectare, was found to substantially reduce the populations of T. absoluta adults, larvae, and the incidence of leaf damage in tomatoes. The study delineates a typical competitive mating disruption scenario in low adult density environments, with a mathematical model to predict moth catch numbers based on dispenser density. Conversely, in high-density settings, a different model applies, emphasizing the necessity for higher dispenser densities.
Both passive and active dispensers were effective in lowering damage rates and larval numbers, with 900 tube dispensers per hectare and active aerosol dispensers yielding the most favorable outcomes. The study concludes that the success of passive dispensers and the optimal dispenser density are contingent upon the adult population density, with 900 dispensers per hectare being essential under high-density conditions.
Source: Researchgate.