A trap to control Sena caterpillar infestation

Colombo (News1st): The Department of Agriculture has taken measures to import 20,000 Pheromone traps to control Sena caterpillar infestation. According to the Director General of the Agriculture Department, the effectiveness of the installation of pheromone traps has already shown successful results. The results indicate that a trap is capable of capturing around 15-30 moths per night. 3-4 traps are enough for one-acre land. The pheromone traps target male moths who are the key to the reproductive process of the invasive species. Pheromone is a chemical secreted by an animal that influences the behavior or physiology of others of the same species by attracting members of the opposite sex. The chemical should be applied in these traps every two weeks. The Director General requested the farmers to avoid cultivation of corn for the Yala season until informed.