Trapping is the foundation of the Pink Bollworm Program. Early detection of non-sterile adult pink bollworm moths allows program personnel time to adjust sterile release in order to control incipient infestations. Trapping is also the primary tool in monitoring sterile release.
The Delta Trap
The Pink Bollworm Program uses a delta trap made of cardboard that is sticky on all three inside surfaces. A pheromone lure that attracts male pink bollworm moths is stuck to one wall of the trap.
The traps are placed over the first cotton plant at the end of a row or the first plant at the edge of the field. The trap is suspended over the cotton plant in a manner that permits the trapper to service it without touching the cotton foliage.
Traps are serviced weekly. If they contain moths that are similar to pink bollworm, the trap is replaced and the traps containing specimens are sent to a laboratory for identification by an entomologist.
The Pheromone Lure
A pheromone is a substance secreted by an organism to affect the behavior or development of other organisms of the same species. In the pink bollworm, it is a chemical released by the female moth to attract male pink bollworms. The lure used by the Pink Bollworm Program is a synthetic chemical with the same structure and activity as the natural pheromone.
The Trapper
The Pink Bollworm Program trapper is responsible for about 400 traps. All of the traps are serviced weekly, and all of the traps are replaced every five weeks. Trap inspection is never finished. It is mandatory that the trappers check all "serviceable" traps in four (10 hour) working days. Traps are unserviceable when the field is too wet to safely approach the trap or the road is blocked. The trappers are required to return to unserviceable traps later in the week and try again. If these traps are still not accessible, a supervisor is notified.
