Determination of release rates of pheromone dispensers by air sampling with C-18 bonded silica.

Release rates of pheromones from commercial dispensers for mating disruption inLobesia botrana andCydia pomonella have been measured by sampling an air stream with C-18 bonded silica (Sep-Pak cartridges) followed by extraction and gas chromatographic analysis. The flow chamber is made from inexpensive materials that can be replaced when contaminated. The results correspond with those obtained by gravimetry; the method supplies additional information on the composition of the airborne material.