Intergeneric Chemical Communication Interference and Cross‐Reactivity of Pammene nemorosa Induced by Grapholita molesta Pheromone Blends (Lepidoptera, Tortr

ABSTRACT

This study quantitatively analysed the phenomenon of massive non‐target capture of Pammene nemorosa in sex pheromone traps designed for monitoring Grapholita molesta in apple orchards and nearby forests in Asan, Chungnam, Korea, over 2 years from 2024 to 2025. A combined analysis of the 2‐year data revealed that among a total of 275 collected adults, the target species G. molesta accounted for only 100 individuals (36.4%), while the non‐target species P. nemorosa showed overwhelming dominance with 175 individuals (63.6%). Although the statistical analysis showed no significant difference (), the numerical trap catch of the non‐target species was approximately 1.33 times higher in Chinese‐type CGM lures compared to Korean‐type AGM lures, indicating a distinct trend of intergeneric cross‐reactivity under specific orchard environments. Analysis of meteorological variables indicated that a sharp increase in temperature in May 2025 synchronized the emergence peaks of both species, maximizing trapping interference and significantly compromising the reliability of monitoring data. Morphological examination and DNA barcoding analysis of mitochondrial COI genes molecularly confirmed the reality of this intergeneric chemical communication interference. These findings underscore the necessity of optimizing selective pheromone compositions to minimize non‐target contamination and establishing weather‐based emergence prediction models to enhance the accuracy of future G. molesta monitoring.