Management of Shoot Boring Moths from Genus Rhyacionia and Eucosma with Attract and Kill Technology

IPM Technologies Phase I research proves technical feasibility for novel and patented attract & kill formulations (Last CallTM) targeting European pine shoot moth, Rhyacionia buoliana, and Western pine shoot borer, Eucosma sonomana in pine plantations, tree nurseries, and Christmas tree farms. In the U.S., R. buoliana infestations can limit growth rate and lumber value in commercial and ornamental pines; in South America, yields are reduced up to 66% on radiata pine. E. sonomana limits ponderosa and lodgepole pine growth by 25-30% in the Western U.S. Phase I research characterized application timing, placement, formulation longevity and behavioral efficacy against these two species. In Phase II, commercial scale trials in collaboration with forest industry partners will target E. sonomana in the U.S., and R. bouliana in the United States, South America and Europe. Feasibility of this technique will be explored against two other cogeneric North American species: R. frustrana and E. gloriola. A&K technology very selectively removes male moths of the target species form the ecosystem with negligible impact on other organisms by combining the selectivity of pheromones (0.21 g/ha) with the toxicity of insecticides (7.92 g/ha) in a hydrophobic bait that precludes run-off or drift, thus preventing ecosystem contamination and damage.