The Plume Also Rises: Trajectories of Pheromone Plumes Issuing from Point Sources in an Orchard Canopy at Night

摘要: The trajectories of pheromone plumes in canopied habitats, such as orchards, have been little studied. We documented the capture male navel orangeworm moths, Amyelois transitella, female-baited traps positioned at 5 levels, from ground level to canopy top, approximately 6 m above ground, almond orchards. Males were captured similar proportions all suggesting that they do not favor a particular height during ranging flight. A 3-D sonic anemometer was used establish patterns wind flow and temperature heights 2.08 6.65 an orchard with high canopy, every 3 h over 72 h. horizontal velocity highest where its directionality also most consistent. During time A. transitella mating (0300–0600), there net vertical displacement upward. Vertical buoyancy combined only minor reductions distance will travel lower compared upper suggest optimal for release high-release-rate sources, aerosol dispensers (“puffers”), are deployed low densities (e.g., per ha.) would be mid or thereby facilitating dispersion disruptant throughout canopy. Optimal placement vary behavioral ecology target pest; however, our results current protocols, which generally propose dispenser third should reevaluated.