Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (1997) 85, 237-245

D. Scholz, C. Borgemeister, R.H. Markham and H.-M. Poehling (1997)
Flight initiation in Prostephanus truncatus: influence of population density and aggregation pheromone
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 85 (3), 237-245
Abstract: The influence of population density and aggregation pheromone were investigated as possible flight initiating factors for Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Col.: Bostrichidae). Maize grains (175 g in glass jars) were infested with 20, 50, 150 or 300 beetles, all of which were removed after 2 weeks. Flight initiation of the progeny was observed over a period of 4 weeks, with and without the synthetic aggregation pheromone of P. truncatus. Addition of the synthetic pheromone had no influence on the number of beetles taking off. The number of beetles dispersing increased with growing initial and progeny densities. Dispersal rates (% of total progeny dispersing) rose with declining rate till they reached a maximum at ca. 33%. Of the beetles dispersing, 74% left the cultures between 18.00 and 20.00 hours. Surviving progeny per female decreased with increasing initial density. Sex ratios in the initial cultures and in the F₁ were ca. 1:1, whereas a higher proportion of females (67%) was found among the dispersing beetles.
(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): Christian Borgemeister, Hans-Michael Poehling, Richard H. Markham

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
environment - cropping system/rotation
pheromones/attractants/traps

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Prostephanus truncatus	Stored grain