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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #324178
Title: Frass semiochemicals important to corn-infesting Ulidiidae (Diptera)

Author
item OWENS, DAVID - University Of Florida
item NUESSLY, GREGG - University Of Florida
item COLQUHOUN, THOMAS - University Of Florida
item Kendra, Paul
item HAHN, DANIEL - University Of Florida
item SEAL, DAKSHINA - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/23/2015
Publication Date: 3/13/2016
Citation: Owens, D., Nuessly, G., Colquhoun, T., Kendra, P.E., Hahn, D., Seal, D. 2016. Frass semiochemicals important to corn-infesting Ulidiidae (Diptera). Meeting Abstract. 90th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Branch of the Entomologcial Society of America, Raleigh, NC 13-16 March, 2016.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Several similarly appearing species of silk fly (Diptera: Ulidiidae) are extremely destructive pests of sweet corn in southern Florida. Currently, silk flies are managed solely with multiple broad spectrum insecticide applications, and there is concern that some species are developing resistance to these insecticides. Studies were initiated to examine the chemical ecology of silk fly pests in the hopes that the information gained could lead to novel semiochemical-based management tactics. Previously, a static air laboratory bioassay was developed that demonstrated flies were highly attracted to armyworm frass. Volatiles from the frass were collected and tentatively identified using GC-MS. Frass volatiles were then screened for physiological activity using electroantennography and assayed for attractiveness in the laboratory bioassay. Several volatile components showed promise, warranting further evaluation in field tests.