Physicochemical Properties and Field Evaluation of Monolithic Wax Formulations for the Controlled Release of a Forest Pest Pheromone

Abstract

This work shows the way to develop a monolithic device for the release of an active agent. Different waxes to prepare monolithic dispensers were used. Studies to characterize the release rate of the pheromone dispensers, and to determine many physicochemical properties of the active components and waxes utilized as matrices, were conducted. The advantages of using monolithic devices as an insect pheromone dispenser in order to control an insect that attacks commercial poplar plantations were demonstrated. Also, the practical application employing monolithic dispensers manufactured in this paper with the sex pheromone of the ambrosia beetle Megaplatypus mutatus (Coleoptera: Platypodidae) was verified. This forest pest is known to attack tree plantations in South America. The release rates were mainly dependent of matrix hardness and viscosity, as well as the particle size of fillers. A good performance of the formulated monolithic dispensers was observed during the field trials, with a reduction of damage levels of 40%.