WHAT IS ISOMATE-EGVM? - Pacific Biocontrol Corporation

WHAT IS ISOMATE ® -EGVM?
What is Isomate ® -EGVM?
Isomate-EGVM is a double tube dispenser composed of a plastic tube filled with the pheromone solution
parallel to a plastic tube filled with an aluminum wire. The Isomate-EGVM
dispenser is applied by hand directly on the plant or trellis wires. A mechanical
device does not randomly distribute this product nor is it sprayed into the
air.
The Isomate dispenser is similar in size and appearance to a common pipe cleaner. The
pheromone solution is within the hollow tube of the dispenser and is not directly put on the crop. Each
dispenser slowly releases tiny amounts of pheromone into the atmosphere. The pheromone migrates
slowly by diffusion from the inside of the tube to the surface where it volatilizes in microgram amounts.
What are pheromones?
Pheromones are natural chemicals emitted by insects that allow them to communicate between
individuals of the same species. They serve a number of functions including finding the location of food
sources, alarming others around them about potential dangers, and locating a potential
mate. Pheromones are ubiquitous in the natural environment and are not considered by environmental
scientists to be environmental contaminants.
How does the pheromone work to disrupt mating of the target pest (in this instance, European
grapevine moth)?
Isomate pheromone dispensers use the insect's own communication system to its detriment. In the wild,
female moths release a sex pheromone into the air to attract male moths. Male moths detect the
pheromone "scent" and follow it upwind to locate and then mate with the females. In plantings treated
with Isomate dispensers, the dispensers emit, over at least a 120-180-day period, the same pheromone
as the female moths. This small amount of additional pheromone confuses and disorients the male,
delaying or preventing him from finding and subsequently mating with the female. The result is a
reduction of mating success and suppression of the target pest population.
What are the ingredients in an Isomate ® -EGVM dispenser?
The active ingredient (i.e., pheromone compound identical in function to those emitted by the moth)
of Isomate-EGVM is (E,Z)-7,9-Dodecadien-1-yl acetate. This compound comprises 75.68% of Isomate-
EGVM's pheromone formulation. Other ingredients include trace amounts of pheromone isomers that are
inherent to the manufacture of the active ingredient and inert ingredients that are added as
stabilizers. The EPA requires that the label separate these other ingredients from the active ingredient,
and their total percentage be included in a separate category.
So what are the inert ingredients?
UV light and oxidation can easily and rapidly break down pheromones, thus, they do not linger in
the environment. However, pheromones used for mating disruption need to last long enough
to effectively control the target pest's populations within the treatment areas where they are
used. Inert ingredients are therefore added as stabilizers to protect the longevity of the
pheromone.
Are these inert ingredients dangerous?
The NOP (National Organic Program) has approved inert ingredients for organic use with this type of
hand-applied dispenser. Several of our pheromone dispensers have been approved by OMRI (Organic
Materials Review Institute) for use in organic orchards. Isomate-EGVM is fully registered, NOP
approved, and we are applying for OMRI certification.
(Over)

WHAT IS ISOMATE ® -EGVM?
What about the plastic dispenser?
The double tube dispenser is made of a polyethylene plastic. One side of the double tube contains a thin
piece of aluminum wire, which assures that the dispenser will stay as applied throughout the season, and
the other side contains 0.0097 fluid ounces of the pheromone.
How will this product be deployed in and near vineyards?
The dispensers will be twisted by hand to either the host plant branches, e.g. grapevine, or to the trellis
wires in the canopy tops of the grapevine. 200 dispensers will be applied uniformly per acre in the
infested areas. To prevent moth infestation from outside sources, application of the dispensers beyond
the borders of the pest-infested areas may be advised. These may include areas where other host plants
(e.g. wild grapevines, olive trees, berry crops) may be present. Mating disruption works in as little as a 10
acre block; however, the larger the treated area the better the results. Area-wide applications are best.
What precautions should be taken when handling the product?
Straight chain lepidopteran pheromones have shown that they can be slightly irritating to the skin and
eyes in test animals. Therefore, the label and MSDS instructs those who handle the product to wear
gloves and protective eyewear when applying the product. After handling, they are to wash thoroughly
with soap and water. Clothing should be washed that has been worn while handling the product. We
have not had any safety issues with the use of our products over the 20+ years that our products have
been used worldwide.
What is the primary objective of using pheromones?
These pheromone formulations were developed for and are used mainly in agriculture. The primary
objective is to aid in the production of high quality, pest-free crops using economically viable and
ecologically sound methods of pest control with minimal use of insecticides. When using mating
disruption, the reduction or elimination of insecticides for insect control will help preserve and increase
beneficial insects, spiders and predatory mites thereby enhancing the biological control of secondary
pests and further reducing the need for insecticide sprays. With repeated yearly use, Isomate products
can greatly reduce the population density of targeted insects in the crop environment while significantly
reducing and in some cases eliminating the need for additional pesticides.
In conclusion:
Isomate-EGVM is a double tube dispenser that is hand
applied to the plant or trellis wire. Unlike some
pheromone products, it is not an aerosol or
microencapsulated sprayable and therefore does not
come in direct contact with the fruit. The pheromone only
enters the environment as a volatile after diffusing in very
small amounts from the dispenser. In other words, the
active ingredient is contained internally in the dispenser
and is slowly released into the air. Inert ingredients
are added to prevent the premature breakdown of the
pheromone active ingredient by outside forces (UV light
and oxidation). Our goal with this product and our other
pheromone dispensers is to minimize environmental
damage and health risks associated with pest
management and at the same time allow growers to
provide consumers with food products that are free of pesticide residues.
For further information contact Pacific Biocontrol Corporation (www.pacificbiocontrol.com).