Abstract:
In this experiment life cycle, behavior and population dynamics of the wood boring
moth, were studied to evaluate the effectiveness of mass trapping through a sex
pheromone. Laboratory experiments were conducted at the Cinnamon Research Station
and field experiments were done in farmer fields in Galle, Matara and Hambantota
districts. Forty five (pheromone loaded water, sticky coated and unloaded control)
were established in one and half ha in each district and establishment heights were
30cm, 90cm and 150cm from the ground level. Trap catches were recorded bi-weekly.
The females deposit eggs in cracks on the base of cinnamon bushes. Eggs are reddish to
dark brown and 1mm length. Incubation period of eggs is about one week. Five larval
stages spanning 40-55 days period was identified. The larvae bore into the bark and
later tunnel into the heartwood. Larvae are dark pink with a dark brown head. Pupation
takes place beneath the bark and last in 35- 40 days. Emerge adult moths survived
about 7 days and male to female population found to be 2: 1 ratio. With the increase of
air temperature in February to May, population of male moths was reduced
significantly. Larvae directly damage to the base. Infestation occurs at sites on the tree
where bark has been injured during harvesting. Insect excrement is good indications
that tree are infested with wood borer. The plants are weakened by larval tunneling and
as a result the mature stems fall. At the severe infestation, emerging shoots are also
destroyed with leading to the death of entire bush. Highest number of catches was
observed in pheromone loaded yellow sticky delta traps with 90cm and 150cm
establishment height from the ground level. In comparison to untreated field, the larval
population declined with time in pheromone treated fields. Therefore, sex pheromone
could be successfully used to control wood boring moth. Sticky coated delta trap can be
used as most attractive trap type with above 90cm trap establishment height.
