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Title: Performance of marking techniques in the field and laboratory for Diabrotica speciosa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Author
item MATTIOLI, FEDERICO - UNIV. OF BUENOS AIRES
item CABRERA WALSH, GUILLERMO - USDA/ARS/SABCL

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/13/2007
Publication Date: 6/1/2008
Citation: Mattioli, F., Cabrera Walsh, G. 2008. Performance of marking techniques in the field and laboratory for Diabrotica speciosa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Journal of Applied Entomology. Vol. 132(5):382-386

Interpretive Summary: Field and laboratory experiments were designed to evaluate the power of traps and a toxic bait based on leaf beetle attractants called cucurbitacins. This required a reliable marking technique that allowed us to follow through the behavior of beetles in the field. Four marking techniques, acrylic paint (spattered or brushed on the surface of the insect); and fluorescent pigments (dusted on surfaces or mixed with diet to produce an ingested marker), were tested. Fluorescent pigment durability for the dusting and ingested techniques was evaluated for laboratory conditions and under simulated field conditions. The impact of the techniques on beetle survival was also assessed. Both acrylic paint techniques caused mobility problems in the beetles, and neither technique lasted for more than 48 hours. Both fluorescent pigment techniques were more reliable, but the dusting technique showed a significantly higher mortality than the control. Use of fluorescent pigments added to the diet was the most reliable technique.

Technical Abstract: A reliable marking technique was needed for a mark-release-recapture experiment with adults of Diabrotica speciosa (Germar). Four marking techniques, acrylic paint (spattered or brushed on the surface of the insect); and fluorescent pigments (dusted on surfaces or mixed with diet to produce an ingested marker), were tested. Fluorescent pigment durability for the dusting and ingested techniques was evaluated for laboratory conditions and under simulated field conditions. The impact of the techniques on beetle survival was also assessed. Both acrylic paint techniques caused mobility problems in the beetles, and neither technique lasted for more than 48 hours. Both fluorescent pigment techniques were more reliable, but the dusting technique showed a significantly higher mortality than the control, and duration variations between laboratory and field conditions. Use of fluorescent pigments added to the diet was the most reliable technique. This technique allowed the manipulation of the marking period, and provided reliable timing of marker persistence in the field.