Preparation, performance characterization, and field trapping application of long-acting Chilo suppressalis sex pheromone-loaded environmentally resistant fibers

Abstract

The application of insect pheromones for pest control aligns with the principles of plant protection and is crucial for sustainable production. In this study, a composite electrostatically spun fibre membrane with a core–shell structure was prepared using a coaxial electrostatic spinning technique, employing polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), and the sex pheromone of Chilo suppressalis (SPCS) as raw materials. The results demonstrated that the surface morphology of the composite fibers mitigated the rapid release of the sex pheromone during the slow-release process, significantly enhancing its controlled release. Under optimal test conditions, the fiber diameter averaged 1.66 μm, the encapsulation rate of the Chilo suppressalis sex pheromone was 82.3% ± 1.2%, and the delayed release lasted approximately 14 weeks in laboratory conditions and 8 weeks in natural field conditions. FTIR analysis confirmed the binding of PS/PLA with the Chilo suppressalis sex pheromone, while TGA tests demonstrated excellent thermal stability. In field trapping tests for rice stem borers, the core–shell structured film exhibited a longer slow-release duration than commercial cores. This structure offers a more stable and effective design concept for insect pheromone carriers.