Synthesis and assessment of attractiveness and mating disruption efficacy of sex pheromone microcapsules for the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)

Microcapsules of sex pheromone of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) were synthesized through complex coacervation using gelatin and gum arabic as wall-forming materials. The encapsulated pheromone released from these microcapsules into the air was monitored over six weeks in the field. Results of a field trial show that the attractiveness of microcapsules was superior to that of rubber septa loaded with the same amount of pheromone. The mating disruption efficiency of the pheromone treatment was estimated through comparing numbers of moths captured in pheromone-baited traps placed in pheromone treatment fields and pesticide treatment fields. The estimated mating disruption efficiency of the pheromone treatments ranged from 76.94% to 98.67% during the season. This study shows that pheromone microcapsules might provide a new method for P. xylostella control.