Management of cocoa pod borer using sex pheromone - an up date

Research on sex pheromone in CPB had been ongoing since its commencement in the early 1980's and the identification of its sex pheromones was completed in 1986. Subsequently, the sex pheromone was used in mass trapping the male to reduce the female fertility in a cocoa area (200 ha) for almost 5 years. Throughout the study, damage due to the CPB has reduced to 30%. This study was conducted in BAL Plantations, Tawau, Sabah. In 1986, CPB was rapidly spreading to Peninsular Malaysia. Sex pheromone traps for CPB were brought immediately into the affected areas. However, trapped male CPB was relatively low compared to the trappings in Sabah and it was concluded that CPB in Peninsular Malaysia could be a different race. Trials on mating disruption to control the CPB using sex pheromones were then initiated. These trials showed a limited effect on mating disruption and were insufficient to reduce yield losses significantly. There was limited research carried out in the 1990's, probably due to previous studies indicating failures in using sex pheromones for the management of CPB. However, research reviews indicated that sex pheromone used in previous studies were not exactly similar in their mixtures. This may account for the inconsistent reports on sex pheromone research for CPB management in the country. The control of other insects pest on other crops using sex pheromone were reported to be successful. Therefore, it is possible that the use of sex pheromone as a part of CPB management strategy could contribute positively in reducing crop loss. Recent research activities initiated in collaboration with Agriculture Research Services, United States Department of Agriculture showed that the first synthesized sex pheromone of CPB by NRI was still working in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia. With the above evaluation study, the role of sex pheromones in CPB management could be determined.