Effect of mineral oil on Isomate CM/OFM TT dispenser

Description

The project aims to evaluate the temporal effect of a superior oil application on pheromone diffusers used in Quebec orchards to control codling moth. One set of diffusers will receive oil application at the early stage of apple tree development while another set will not receive oil. Three cohorts of treated or untreated diffusers will be removed 24 hours after application, at flowering and at the beginning of September. The diffusion rate of each will be evaluated in the laboratory for comparison purposes depending on the treatment.

Objective(s)

The main objective of the project is to verify the effect of the diffusion of a pheromone following an application of superior oil 70SC on the ISOMATE®-CM/OFM TT diffusers used in the control of codling moth.

More specifically, the project aims to quantify the effect of a spring application of superior oil 70SC on the diffusion of the three volatile chemical compounds of the synthetic pheromone included in the diffusers:

1. 24 hours after application;
2. At apple blossom (approximately 21 days after application) and;
3. At harvest (about 4 months after application).