The sex attractant pheromone of the oak processionary, Thaumetopoea processionea a field evaluation.

The sex pheromone of Thaumetopoea processionea has recently been described as a mixture of different isomers with (Z,Z)-11,13-hexadecadien-1-yl acetate as the major active compound. First trials have shown that traps baited with this compound attract male moths in the field. In the present paper we evaluate the use of pheromone traps under practical aspects. The traps can be very well applied to monitor the pest, but the devices have to be installed in the upper crown of the oak trees. It is possible to determine the seasonal flight pattern of the moths. Results of field trials in Germany suggest that the traps can be used to roughly estimate the degree of infestation.