Auto-confusion of Ephestia cautella (Walker) infesting dried fruits in a confectionery factory store

摘要

We assessed the effectiveness of a pheromone auto-confusion method applied for a three-year study (Years 1-3) in a confectionery factory store infested by almond moths, Ephestia cautella (Walker), based on pheromone traps and the presence of spermatophores in females captured with water traps. The application of Exosect (R) SP Tab pheromone dispensers, at a rate of 1 tablet per 25 m(2) floor area, combined with water traps eliminated a great numbers of males and females and reduced mating and population levels of E. cautella. The results confirmed that when auto-confusion was applied (Years 2-3) the percentage of mated females was lower compared with the previous year (Year 1), which was used as the control. The auto-confusion provides continuous activity against E. cautella adults and is a good approach to Integrated Pest Management that reduces the need for chemical treatments. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.