Trapping system
The White Scale Card is a disposable cardboard with the standard UC grid design, which facilitates counting of the trapped Citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri). The card comes pre-coated with Stikem glue and is folded in half so that the glue is on the inside. To activate, reverse the fold (to glue-side facing out) and attach the wire. The semiochemical lure is attached to the wire, which is used to hang the trap on the crop. This card is effective for all scale insects, including California red scale and other important mealybug species.
C.M.B. PheroLure®
The rubber septa used to attract the Citrus mealybug to the scale card is known as the C.M.B. PheroLure®. The C.M.B. PheroLure® needs to be replaced every six (6) weeks. Any additional C.M.B. PheroLures® should be kept in their individual foil pouches in a fridge in order to prolong their shelf life before use.
How, where and when to hang traps
- How: Hang the trap at a height of 1.8 – 2.1 m on the north-eastern side of the tree. This will allow for maximum airflow to distribute the semiochemical molecules (which are heavier than air) across the orchard/field. Hang the trap out of the way of farm implements, the direct reach of spray machines and irrigation systems, as well as away from roads, as the dust will cover the sticky liner and dry out the glue. Secure the trap firmly to the pole/stand/plant so that it does not sway in the wind. Identify each trap by a trap/block number for later reference.
- Where: A map or layout of the orchard will assist in correct placement of traps. In orchards that are uniform with regards to topography, size and windbreaks: hang traps at a density of 1 trap per 1 – 2 Ha. This is the maximum area that can be monitored by a single trap. A higher density may be necessary in unevenly shaped fields, fields with excessive slopes and hollows where the prevailing wind may adversely affect trap catches.
- When: Tree crops: at beginning of production season.
Inspection and maintenance of traps
- Inspection: The scale cards should be inspected weekly on the same day of each week (7-day intervals). The number of Citrus mealybugs caught on the scale card, together with the card number and date needs to be recorded.
- Maintenance: Collect scale cards once a week and replace with new scale cards. Move C.M.B. PheroLure® to new scale card. Only replace C.M.B. PheroLure® every six (6) weeks.
Disposal of lures
Each C.M.B. PheroLure® needs to be replaced every six (6) weeks. Used C.M.B. PheroLures® can be disposed of in the garbage. No special precautions are required as C.M.B. PheroLure® is considered of no concern to human and environmental health.
Packaging
C.M.B. PheroLure® is sold in individual foil pouches at 3 per pack, or in bulk at 100 per pack in a large foil pouch.
