Electrospun nanofibers as controlled release systems for the combined pheromones of Grapholita molesta and Cydia pomonella

Background: As sex pheromones are environmentally friendly and specific, they are often used to monitor and control oriental fruit moths (OFMs). Currently, non-biodegradable polymers are commonly employed as carriers to prepare controlled sex pheromone release systems for plant protection. Electrospinning is a relatively simple technique for preparing biodegradable nanofibers that allows for the controlled release of sex pheromones. This study aimed to develop a biodegradable controlled release system for the combination of OFM pheromone and codlemone via electrospinning, in which codlemone was used as a synergist for OFM pheromone.

Results: New systems for the controlled release of combined pheromones from OFM and colding moths were developed using electrospun nanofibers from polycaprolactone (PCL), cellulose acetate (CA), and polylactic acid (PLA). In the indoor experiments, the load ratio and release stability of CA nanofibers loaded with combined pheromones (CA-SP) were superior to those of the other two nanofiber types. In the field experiments, among all the treatments, 10 mg of CA-SP was the most attractive to OFMs, and its effective duration was approximately 6 weeks. The optimum storage temperature for all nanofibers was -20 °C.

Conclusion: Electrospun CA-SP nanofibers were biodegradable and environmentally friendly, with stable release. This study presents a new technique that could be beneficial for the monitoring and control of OFMs. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.