Emergence of Male-Sterile Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Backcross Moths at a Central Release Point and Their Resulting Spatial Distribution

Heliothis virescens backcross moths are most effectively released in wide-area release programs from pupae placed in the field prior to moth emergence. A significantly greater moth emergence was obtained in the field from unharvested pupae in rearing trays than was obtained from harvested pupae. Mating, oviposition, and egg viability of emerged female moths were not adversely affected by handling procedures. Moths released from emergence containers were recovered in the most distant trap, 5.5 km, from the release point. However, the greatest number of released moths was captured in pheromone traps within 1.7 km of the release point.