ARS | Publication request: Monoterpenes influence response of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to attractant-baited traps

Submitted to: National Meeting of Entomological Society Of America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 1, 2007
Publication Date: December 11, 2007
Citation: Ranger, C.M., Reding, M.E. 2007. Monoterpenes influence response of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to attractant-baited traps. National Meeting of Entomological Society Of America.Available: http://esa.confex.com/esa/2007/techprogram/paper_30540.htm

Technical Abstract: Wood-boring ambrosia beetles have become increasingly problematic in nursery-grown ornamentals. Reports from Ohio have documented ambrosia beetle attacks on deciduous trees, while anecdotal evidence suggests attacks are not occurring on coniferous evergreens. Since colonization by ambrosia beetles in coniferous trees can be reduced by trunk applications of nonhost angiosperm volatiles, application of nonhost coniferous volatiles to deciduous trees could also conceivably elicit a negative chemotaxic response. a-pinene and ß-pinene are monoterpenes commonly produced by coniferous evergreens. The current study describes the influence of these isomers on the response of four ambrosia beetles to attractant-baited traps. Each of these ambrosia beetle species, namely Xyleborinus saxesenii, Xyleborus sayi, Xylosandrus germanus and Xyloterinus politus, are found in the nursery agroecosystem and prefer deciduous over coniferous hosts. In 2003 and 2004, Lindgren funnel traps were baited with: Ethanol or EtOH + a-pinene (Ultra-High Release, UHR). In 2007, bottle traps were baited with: EtOH, a-pinene, ß-pinene, EtOH + a-pinene, or EtOH + ß-pinene (Low Release, LR). Randomized complete blocks were established along the edges of woodlots at cooperating nurseries in Ohio. The presence of UHR a-pinene reduced the attraction of X. saxesenii, X. sayi and X. politus to EtOH-baited traps. Pinene + EtOH either positively or negatively affected the chemotaxis behavior of X. germanus depending on the lure release rate and/or trap type. Lure release rate (UHR vs LR) and/or trap type (Lindgren vs bottle) also influenced catches of X. saxesenii, X. sayi and X. politus. The response of ambrosia beetles found in the nursery agroecosystem to repellents and nonhost volatiles will continue to be investigated, as will the role of stress-volatiles on ambrosia beetle host-selection behavior.