Warwick HRI's Dr Doreen Winstanley with her revolutionary pheromone trap

Warwick HRI's Dr Doreen Winstanley with her revolutionary pheromone trap

Researchers from the University of Warwick have designed a cunning alternative to traditional orchard pest-control, with a new hanging basket-style virus dispenser that takes advantage of frisky moths.

The device lures codling moths seeking a sexual encounter by emitting a pheromone that draws the insect in. The moth leaves the device covered in a virus contained within the dispenser and passes this on to other moths later during mating. This results in the direct contamination of eggs laid, or the site where they are laid which kills larvae when they eat the virus on the egg or contaminated plant surface.

A Defra-funded project, researchers say the innovation could mean an end to the traditional method of spraying entire fruit orchards with the virus, and as the device attracts codling moths specifically, it will also prevent the loss of populations of other beneficial insects.

The fact that the virus is protected within the dispenser will also extend its life, which is normally compromised by direct sunlight, removing the need for constant reapplication.