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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Charleston, South Carolina » Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #157959
Title: MONITORING CUCUMBER BEETLES IN SWEETPOTATO AND CUCURBITS WITH KAIROMONE BAITED TRAPS

Author
item Jackson, D
item SORENSEN, K. - NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV
item SORENSON, C. - NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV
item STORY, R. - LOUISIANA STATE UNIV.

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/18/2004
Publication Date: 2/1/2005
Citation: Jackson, D.M., Sorensen, K.A., Sorenson, C.E., Story, R.N.. 2005. Monitoring cucumber beetles in sweetpotato and cucurbits with kairomone-baited traps. J. Econ. Entomol. 98:159-170.

Interpretive Summary: Detecting and monitoring pest insects is important for vegetable growers to make proper decisions about pest management. New trapping technologies are needed for monitoring populations of cucumber beetles in sweetpotatoes, squash, cucumbers, and other cucurbits. We evaluated seven combinations of volatile chemicals from squash flowers as attractants for bringing cucumber beetle adults into small plastic traps. Two of the formulations were very effective in trapping spotted and striped cucumber beetles in mixed fields of squash, melon, cucumber, and pumpkins. The effectiveness of the lures declined rapidly after two weeks in the field. A new plastic trap, developed and sold by Trece Incorporated, was very effective for trapping cucumber beetles

Technical Abstract: Seven kairomone formulations were evaluated for effectiveness as attractants for luring cucumber beetles into Pherocon® CRW Traps in cucurbit and sweetpotato fields. TRE8276 was the most effective lure for spotted and striped cucumber beetles in cucurbits, while TRE8336 was the most effective lure for spotted cucumber beetles in sweetpotatoes. None of the lures were very effective for attracting banded cucumber beetles in the Charleston, SC area. Banded cucumber beetles were not captured in sweetpotato fields in North Carolina or inland locations in South Carolina. A new design of the Pherocon® CRW Trap was more effective than the old design for spotted, striped, and banded cucumber beetles. The efficacy of TRE8276 declined rapidly after two weeks in the field.