In pears, pheromone traps are used to monitor adult emergence and flights of codling moth and obliquebanded leafroller. Consperse stink bug pheromone traps monitor both adult migration into the orchard and the population cycle within the orchard.
Use the information obtained from the trap catches in conjunction with degree-day calculations (codling moth and obliquebanded leafroller) to schedule control actions. The traps are used to establish a biofix, which is an identifiable point in the life cycle of the pest at which you can begin degree-day accumulation. For example, the biofix for codling moth is the first date that moths are consistently found in traps for three consecutive days and sunset temperatures have reached 62ºF.
General Guidelines for Using Pheromone Traps
- Use a minimum of one trap per 5 acres for both regular (1 mg) and supercharged (10 mg) traps.
- 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 results (example form—).
- For moth traps, replace trap bottoms monthly or when they become covered with debris.
- Follow manufacturer's recommendations for replacing pheromone lures. Store pheromone lures in a refrigerator or freezer.
When to Put Out Pheromone Traps
(consult individual pest section for best placement of trap)
| Pest | When | Placement | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codling moth | Regular 1 mg pheromone plus DA lure traps
|
6 to 8 ft high |
|
| Supercharged 10 mg pheromone plus DA lure traps: at biofix | Top 1/3 of canopy |
|
|
| Obliquebanded leafroller | Mid-April | 6 to 8 ft high |
|
| Consperse stink bug | Early April |
|