Effects of Moth Population Density and Pheromone Concentration on Mating Disruption of the Corn Earworm in Large Screened Cages

The full-complement pheromone of Heliothis zea</it> (Boddie) females, pheromone components, and component combination were evaluated as mating disruptants at selected application rates and moth population densities. Pheromone components were evaporated from point sources at the rate of 100 point sources per screen field cage (9 by 30 m) (3,700/ha) planted with cotton, Gossypium hirsutum</it> L. Treatment efficacy was determined by observing and comparing the numbers of mating pairs (laboratory-reared moths) within the cages. The full-complement pheromone was most effective at the lowest moth population density. The highest application rate tested (370g/ha) was more effective than lower rates.