Commercial hollow-fiber pheromone formulations: The degrading effect of sunlight on celcon fibers causing increased release rates of the active ingredient.

The effect of weathering on the release of pheromone analogs from Celcon fibers has been studied. Results from fibers exposed in Quebec indicate that UV radiation in sunlight degrades the Celcon, causing an increase in the release of the active materials. The results are discussed in the light of large interfiber release rate variation experienced with commercial fiber formulations, and the fact that the major use areas, to date, have been Arizona and California where the effect is likely to be much more pronounced. Stability of the release device to weathering is shown to be one of the many parameters to be considered in formulation design.