Efficacies and Second-Year Effects of SPLAT GMTM and SPLAT GMTM Organic Formulations

Mating disruption is the primary control tactic used against the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) under the gypsy moth Slow the Spread (STS) program. In this paper, we present the results of the multiyear study designed to evaluate a new liquid SPLAT GMTM (ISCA Tech, Riverside, CA, USA) Organic formulation, which is approved by the USDA to meet National Organic Program Standards for use in organic certified farms, for its ability to disrupt gypsy moth mating, and to evaluate the environmental persistence of SPLAT GMTM and SPLAT GMTM Organic formulations. Environmental persistence of the pheromone beyond the year of application is a significant concern since STS relies on trap catch data to evaluate treatment success. The study was conducted in 2007–2012 in forested areas in Virginia and Wisconsin, USA. We observed that SPLAT GMTM Organic reduced gypsy moth trap catch by 90% for 10 weeks in a similar manner as SPLAT GMTM and Hercon Disrupt® II (Hercon Environmental, Emigsville, PA, USA). Although we observed persistent effects in all products one year after application, the persistence observed in SPLAT GMTM and SPLAT GMTM Organic was significantly lower than that of Hercon Disrupt® II plastic laminated flakes. OPEN ACCESS