Mass trapping of apple leafminer, Phyllonorycter ringoniella with sex pheromone traps in apple orchards

The apple leafminer, Phyllonorycter ringoniella Matsumura (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is an important insect pest of apple, with four to six generations a year in Korea, Japan, and China. The effect of mass trapping with sex pheromone traps on P. ringoniella was investigated in apple orchards in 2015 in Yinchuan, China. Trap density treatments were 0, 75, 150, and 225/ha in the Control, T1, T2, and T3 orchard blocks, respectively. Average numbers of male catches per monitoring trap were significantly lower in T2 and T3 treatments and highest in the control. Control efficiencies estimated from the leaf damage were 86.67±4.71, 97.23±3.93, and 100% in T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Significant within-tree migration of the moths from the lower part to the upper part was indicated by the shift of trap catches from lower (1–2m high) to upper portions (3m high) of the tree from early August. Mass trapping with sex pheromone traps can be one effective and environmentally friendly method to reduce the P. ringoniella populations in apple orchards. Trap density of 150/ha and hanging at 2m height was recommended for growers to control and monitor its population, respectively. Graphical abstract [Display omitted] •Mass trapping using sex pheromone traps could reduce field population and damage level.•Traps density of 150/ha at 2m high is suggested.•This approach could be feasible alternative for organic growers who do not have the reliable control method•Within tree migration was noticed during August from the lower inner part to the higher and outer part of tree.