ARS | Publication request: SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF PHYLLOPHAGA VANDINEI (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEIDAE)EMERGENCE WITHIN AND AROUND A MAMEY SAPOTE ORCHARD

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 15, 2010
Publication Date: June 18, 2010
Citation: Jenkins, D.A., Goenaga, R.J. Spatial distribution of Phyllophaga vandinei (Coleoptera: scarabaeidae) emergence within and around a mamey sapote orchard. Florida Entomologist. 93(2):323-324.

Interpretive Summary: Accurately predicting where populations of the May beetle, an important pest of fruit trees, is extremely difficult. Cone emergence cages have been used but it is uncertain how best to deploy/place the traps to maximize their effectiveness. This study indicates that traps placed at the base of the host tree catch more beetles than traps placed in the field or between trees, but that traps placed to the west of the tree tend to catch more beetles. This indicates that trap effectiveness depends on trap placement and has important consequences in accurately monitoring May beetle populations in orchards.

Technical Abstract: A method of accurately monitoring Phyllophaga vandinei, an important pest of fruit trees in Puerto Rico, is urgently needed. Cone emergence cages have been used, but it has been unclear how effective they are. This study demonstrates that deployment and placement of the traps has a great impact on the effectiveness of the traps: traps placed against the base of a tree on the western side trap more beetles than traps placed in between trees or in an adjacent field. However, one year, traps placed to the east of the tree base captured as many adults as traps placed to the west. Based on past research, traps placed to the east or the west of the tree capture more beetles than traps placed to the north or the south.