Pheromone Delivery System: Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Pheromone Encapsulation in a Starch Borate Matrix

Authors

Lance J. Meinke, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Z. B. Mayo, IANRFollow
Thomas J. Weissling, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

1989

Comments

Published in J. Econ. Entomol. 82(6): 1830-1835 (1989) Copyright 1989 Entomological Society of America Used by Permission

Abstract

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, sex pheromone, racemic 8-methyl-2-decyl-propanoate (MDP) was successfully encapsulated in a starch borate (5B) matrix creating a controlled release granular formulation. The release rate of MDP from starch borate granules was attractive to male D. virgifera at high and low D. virgifera population levels in field corn. Male D. virgifera were attracted to the 5B-MDP granules throughout the growing season, but efficacy declined during the period of peak female D. virgifera emergence and corn pollination. The 5B-MDP delivery system was as effective as a septa-MDP delivery system, and 5B-MDP formulations had a shelf life of at least 2 yr. Data suggest that the starch matrix concept may be useful as a delivery system for semiochemicals and may have potential as a tool that can be used in the development of new, more environmentally sound insect management systems.