In apricots, pheromone traps are used to monitor peach twig borer, peachtree borer, and obliquebanded leafroller. The traps are used to detect first moth emergence, establish a biofix (an identifiable point in the pest's life cycle at which degree-day accumulations are begun) and take a management action. For peachtree borers they are useful in detecting the presence of adults.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR USING PHEROMONE TRAPS
- Place traps in each orchard for which you need to make pest management decisions.
- Traps should be placed in orchards by the dates indicated in the table below.
- Use at least two traps per block.
- Distribute the traps uniformly throughout the orchard and use the same locations each year.
- Place additional traps in areas where numbers are known to be high.
- Hang traps 6 to 8 feet high (2–3 feet for peach tree borer), 1 to 3 feet inside the canopy in the north quadrant of the tree, in the shade, and at least five trees in from the edge of the orchard.
- Check traps twice a week until the biofix is established; thereafter, check traps weekly.
- Remove trapped insects from the trap after you count and record the trap catch data.
- Replace sticky trap bottoms monthly or when they become covered with debris and are no longer effective. A fine layer of dust may significantly reduce trap catches.
- Follow manufacturer's recommendations for replacing pheromone dispensers.
- Store pheromone dispenser in a refrigerator or freezer.
| Pest | Where and when | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Obliquebanded leafroller | Where a problem—early fruit set
(April 15) |
Detect moth emergence to start degree-day accumulation. |
| Peach twig borer | Central Coast and San Joaquin Valley—March 20 Sacramento Valley—April 1 |
Detect moth emergence to start degree-day accumulation. |
| Peachtree borer | No later than April (and maintain through September) | Detect male presence to time insectide sprays. |