Innovative moth attractant to control major crop pest

摘要

Anew moth attractant, Magnet Insect Attractant Technology has just been given government approval for commercial use on cotton, beans and sweet corn. Magnet is a world-first product, developed in Australia, targeting the elusive adult (moth) stage ofthe destructive Helicoverpa (heliothis) caterpillar pest. Magnet is a formulation containing a patented blend of plant volatiles and sugars that mimic flowering, nectar rich plants. Moths seeking a sugar food source find the Magnet blend highly attractive. It is applied to less than two per cent of a farmer's crop in narrow strips, attracting moths to feed on the product which is laced with small quantities of insecticide.