Agricultural and Forest Entomology (2018) 20, 228-233

Roderick P. Blackshaw, Willem G. van Herk and Robert S. Vernon (2018)
Determination of Agriotes obscurus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) sex pheromone attraction range using target male behavioural responses
Agricultural and Forest Entomology 20 (2), 228-233
Abstract:
- A study was conducted to determine the attractive range of traps baited with Agriotes obscurus pheromone to male beetles in both still air and wind conditions. This information is crucial for evaluating the potential of mass trapping when aiming to reduce beetle populations.
- Groups of 10 beetles were released at 14 points spaced 1 m apart along a linear track, at one end of which was a pheromone and wind source. Beetle response to the pheromone and/or wind was recorded 150 s after release and characterized as orienting either towards or away from the pheromone and/or wind source.
- Data analysis indicated the attraction range of the sex pheromone is <5 m in still air, which is considerably lower than estimates from previous studies and emphasizes the challenge of mass trapping this species in the field. The attraction range increased when there was air flow.
- Unexpectedly, not all male beetles respond to the pheromone, and beetles are inclined to move downwind even in the presence of pheromone. The latter finding suggests that wind direction may influence beetle dispersal and mate finding in the field.
- The implications of these results for determining the efficacy of mass trapping as a management approach are discussed.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Willem G. van Herk, Rod P. Blackshaw, Robert S. Vernon

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Agriotes obscurus