Trapping of crucifer flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.)(Coleoptera: chrysomelidae) with pheromones and plant kairomones

Authors: Weber, Donald; Konstantinov, Alexander - Alex; Khrimian, Ashot; Bier, Alexander; LUBENOW, LESLEY - North Dakota State University; KNODEL, JANET - North Dakota State University; Haber, Ariela; WALLINGFORD, ANNA - University Of New Hampshire; MASON, JAMES - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University; KUHAR, THOMAS - Virginia Polytechnic Institution & State University

Submitted to: Journal of Economic Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/4/2022
Publication Date: 4/17/2022
Citation: Weber, D.C., Konstantinov, A.S., Khrimian, A., Bier, A.D., Lubenow, L., Knodel, J., Haber, A.I., Wallingford, A.K., Mason, J., Kuhar, T. 2022. Trapping of crucifer flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.)(Coleoptera: chrysomelidae) with pheromones and plant kairomones. Journal of Economic Entomology. 115:1-9. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toac042.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toac042

Interpretive Summary: Flea beetles are major pests of cole crops, canola, and related crops in the mustard family. Adults may damage seedlings or larger crop plants, impairing crop growth, rendering crops unmarketable, or killing seedlings outright. Several species in the genus Phyllotreta have male-produced pheromones attractive to both female and male adults. We tested synthetic versions of two such pheromones, himachaladiene and hydroxyhimachalanone, as well as the host-plant-produced mustard oil (allyl isothiocyanate), alone and in combination, with a variety of traps designed to capture flea beetles, in Maryland, Virginia, and North Dakota. Results showed that the ground-based "rocket" trap was most effective at capturing the target pests. The two pheromones and mustard oil were all effective attractants, and did not interfere with one another. However, there was variation suggesting differences attraction of crucifer flea beetle among different states. Results will be helpful in monitoring and possibly population suppression, however, further research is necessary to develop optimal lure combinations and controlled release methods. The results should be of interest to researchers and pest managers concerned with cole crops, canola, and other mustard crops.

Technical Abstract: Flea beetles of the genus Phyllotreta are major pests of cole crops, canola, and related crops in the mustard family. Adults may damage seedlings or larger crop plants, impairing crop growth, rendering crops unmarketable, or killing seedlings outright. The two major North American crucifer pest species, Phyllotreta striolata and P. cruciferae, have male-produced pheromones attractive to both female and male adults. We tested the synthetic pheromones, himachaladiene and hydroxyhimachalanone, as well as the host-plant-produced allyl isothiocyanate, alone and in combination, and also a variety of traps designs to capture flea beetles, in Maryland, Virginia, and North Dakota. Results showed that the ground-based "rocket" trap (modified from boll weevil trap) was most effective at capturing the target pests, with the Hungarian KLP trap also effective. Phyllotreta striolata was consistently attracted to hydroxyhimachalanone, and captures were often enhanced by allyl isothiocyanate. Phyllotreta cruciferae was strongly attracted to allyl isothiocyanate but its response to pheromone components varied by state. Results will be helpful in monitoring and possibly population suppression, however, further research is necessary to develop optimal lure loadings, combinations and controlled release methods.