Suppression of Mating and Oviposition by Fall Armyworm and Mating by Corn Earworm in Corn, Using the Air Permeation Technique12

Mating and oviposition by the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were reduced by an average of 86 and 84%, respectively, in a 12-ha cornfield after aerial applications of (Z)-9-tetradecen-l-ol acetate formulated in hollow fibers. Mating by the corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), was reduced ca. 50% in a second 12-ha cornfield similarly treated with hollow fibers containing (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol formate. These results demonstrate that the mating disruption technique can be used successfully against highly mobile pests such as the fall armyworm and corn earworm on much smaller acreages than heretofore believed possible. Possible applications of the air permeation technique in suppressing the fall armyworm in its overwintering refugia and in multicropping situations are discussed.