SPLAT^TM (Specialized Pheromone & Lure Application Technology)*:
Biologically inert matrix for the release of semiochemicals and/or pesticides

Semiochemicals (such as synthetic pheromones) and some pesticides are volatile compounds which require an appropriate delivery and dispensing system to optimize and modulate its release in a manner that offers the best insect attraction in the time period desired. ISCA possesses a range of technologies that can dispense, optimize and modulate the semiochemical and/or pesticide release in mating disruption or attract & kill pest management programs.

SPLAT (Specialized Pheromone & Lure Application Technology) has numerous advantages over current semiochemical controlled release technologies:

• Provides long term rain and UV protection for the pheromone and/or active ingredient.

• Biologically inert and bio-degradable matrix.

• Ability to vary release rates and duration from weeks to months with one application depending on the size of the SPLAT dollop, and in many cases, achieve season long control with one application.

• Amorphous and flowable quality allows for many types of application methods: spatula, caulking gun, metered backpack sprayer, tractor, aircraft, etc.

• Possible to develop formulations to target more than one pest with formulation mix of desired pheromones, active ingredients and/or pesticides.

• An EPA science review has certified all inert ingredients in SPLAT to be "suitable for food use".

SPLAT has proven its effectiveness in mating disruption, lure and attract & kill programs for many insect pests (such as codling moth, oriental fruit moth, pink bollworm, gypsy moth, brazilian apple leafroller), and ISCA welcomes collaborative efforts to develop new SPLAT applications.

ADVANTAGES OF SPLAT MATING DISRUPTION CONTROL:

Mating disruption has the potential to reduce the number of insecticide sprays.

Mating disruption is species specific and will not have any effect on other species such as beneficial insects or natural predators. 

Mating disruption is environmentally friendly.  The ingredients of SPLAT are food grade and the active ingredient pheromone blend is a copy of the insect pheromone found in nature.

The overuse or misuse of many insecticides can lead to insecticide resistance.  The opposite is the case for SPLAT mating disruption formulations.   When effectively implemented, typically after the second year of application, the target insect population each year declines to a low level that less SPLAT (and insecticide sprays if you use them) need to be applied.    For this and other reasons mentioned above, mating disruption can be a cost-effective substitute for insecticides or supplement to reduce insecticide use.    

CHECKLIST FOR COST EFFECTIVE MATING DISRUPTION USING SPLAT:

Many SPLAT formulations have better results in larger contiguous plots, preferably 10 acres or more, since the borders of the plot may have slightly higher damage due to mated females entering the plot.  Because of the border effect, the shape of a plot can influence effectiveness. For example for two small plots which have the same area of 10 acres each, the plot with a square shape will have better results than the one that is very narrow and long.

Plots with low to medium infestation level can be cost-effectively controlled with SPLAT. If your plot has a high infestation level, SPLAT may need to be supplemented with other forms of control.

Do plots in your vicinity practice good control measures? If no, there is a higher chance that mated females from adjacent areas where control measures are not effective may enter your plot and lay their eggs at the borders of your plot.  For this reason, it is advantageous to include plots in your vicinity as part of an integrated pest management program that includes SPLAT mating disruption.

APPLICATION METHODS:

Due to its amorphous and flowable quality, SPLAT offers the most flexible method of applying pheromone mating disruption and attract & kill formulations; it easily accommodates a variety of application methods: manual, mechanical and automated. Check out our YouTube Channel for the latest videos of SPLAT being applied.

	SPLAT Wizard Mounted on to a tractor with a front loader, the SPLAT Wizard is ideal for large acreage where mechanical application is necessary. See it in action!
	SPLAT-o-Gator Developed in collaboration with researchers at Michigan State University, the SPLAT-o-Gator is an inexpensive option for applying SPLAT using a John Deere Gator. See it in action!
	SPLAT "Flicker" Gun Using a standard automotive-style grease gun with a portable air source, the SPLAT "Flicker" Gun allows workers to move quickly through rows while applying to the upper portions of the trees. See it in action!
	M10 Metered Dosing Gun The M10 is the simplest way to apply SPLAT manually. The gun has 5 dispense settings to produce consistent, repeatable results. See it in action!
	Aerial Application For large scale and region wide treatment, aerial application offers the most efficient method of application. In this photo, a plane from Dynamic Aviation, which is contracted by the USDA Forest Service under the Stop the Spread (STS) of Gypsy Moth program, is applying SPLAT GM. In 2009, SPLAT GM was applied to almost 100,000 acres as part of the STS Program.

*SPLAT is protected by patents and patents pending.