James Petersen

Mr. James Petersen


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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3 July 2025 in Insects
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JCJames F Campbell
James F Campbell
James Frederick MillerJames Frederick Miller
James Frederick Miller
JPJames Petersen
James Petersen
BLBill Lingren
Bill Lingren
Mating disruption is a commercially available management tactic for pyralid moths, which are pests of stored products. However, evaluations of efficacy have had limited replication, which limits the ability to draw conclusions about its effectiveness or the impact of different variables on its efficacy. We evaluated the mating disruption of Plodia interpunctella in 33 retail pet supply stores (6415 to 17,384 m3) and the impact of factors such as insect density and application rate on efficacy. Prior to starting MD, the average capture of P. interpunctella was 40.2 ± 3.6 moths/trap/month. Immediately after starting treatment, there was a sharp drop in captures (67.8 ± 4.8%) and then a more gradual overall downward. Overall, under mating disruption, the average reduction was 85.0 ± 3.0%. Geographic location, initial moth density, and pheromone application rate did not significantly impact efficacy. Analysis of the relationships between moth captures and mating disruption dispenser density indicated that competitive mechanisms were the primary mechanisms involved. This was the largest replicated assessment of MD for the management of a post-harvest pest and provides valuable foundational and applied insights into the process. Our results show that a standardized MD program can provide pest suppression in retail stores, but it takes time to be fully effective. Finally, identifying the primary mechanism for efficacy provides important information needed for further refinement of MD programs.