Field evaluation of the sex pheromone of the cacao pod borer (Conopomorpha cramerella Snellen) in the Philippines

Cacao is a promising high-value crop in the Philippines and considered one of key players globally providing raw materials for chocolate making. However, before can take this market opportunity, production constraints from various pests should be addressed. The cacao pod borer (CPB), Conopomorpha cramerella , major insect Philippines, which cause up to 50% annual loss or even higher if proper management not employed. Management CPB heavily relies on chemical control but becoming unpopular because its high cost health risk people environment. A number efforts have been made develop sex pheromones monitor CPB. field bioassay new blend was conducted southern determine efficiency identify appropriate trap height placement field, important maximizing pheromone traps inclusion integrated pest (IPM) program Pheromone lures at four different heights (1.0 m, 0.5 m above canopy, 0.0 along below canopy) blank lure (control) placed 1.0 canopy were evaluated terms male catches. Results showed significantly catches when installed least while minimal zero obtained with lures, confirming attractiveness field. This suggests reliability pheromone-based method as component IPM program.