Journal of Applied Entomology (2008) 132, 54-58

B.G. Ambrogi and P.H.G. Zarbin (2008)
Aggregation pheromone in Sternechus subsignatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): olfactory behaviour and temporal pattern of emission
Journal of Applied Entomology 132 (1), 54-58
Abstract: The Brazilian soybean stalk weevil, Sternechus subsignatus Boehman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a pest of economic importance in many regions of Brazil. Volatiles from both sexes of S. subsignatus were collected by aeration and the behavioural response of males and females was evaluated using a Y-olfactometer. The results obtained demonstrate that the communication in S. subsignatus is mediated by aggregation pheromone as both sexes were attracted to host plant (HP) volatiles, and this attraction was increased by the addition of male volatiles. At least five male-specific compounds (1-5) were detected in the chromatographic analysis, providing chemical support to the behavioural data. Release of these volatiles is dependent on the presence of the HP as the amount of compounds differs significantly when volatiles are collected from weevils with or without access to food. The release takes place mainly during photophase, showing a peak between 4 and 6 h after its beginning, which is also a peak of the insect activity in the field. Studies are underway to elucidate the structures of these putative aggregation pheromone components, in order to evaluate their biological activity under laboratory and field conditions.
(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): Bianca G. Ambrogi, Paulo Henrique Gorgatti Zarbin

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

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Sternechus subsignatus