Journal of Applied Entomology (2017) 141, 551-560

B. Giffard, G. David, B. Joubard, D. Piou and H. Jactel (2017)
How do sex and sexual maturation influence the response of Monochamus galloprovincialis to host odours?
Journal of Applied Entomology 141 (7), 551-560
Abstract: Finding the right host plant for feeding and reproduction is crucial for herbivorous insects. Usually they need both visual and olfactory cues to locate and colonize their host plants, but the respective role of the two types of stimuli is difficult to disentangle. Model plants mimicking the shape and colour of natural hosts, combined with odours dispensers, are relevant tools for this purpose. We used dummy pines and cut branches of natural pines to investigate host attraction in Monochamus galloprovincialis, the insect vector of the pine wood nematode in Europe. We compared the behavioural response of males and females, sexually mature or immature, in a large climatic chamber and in an olfactometer. Immature females were significantly attracted by the sole odours released by pines. Immature males and mature males and females needed a combination of visual and olfactory cues to find the host tree. These findings suggest that beetles use both visual and chemical cues to locate pine trees but that relevant stimuli likely differ between beetles of different sex and sexual maturation status. Our results question the implementation of precautionary clear-cuts around infested trees for limiting the spread of PWN.
(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): Hervé Jactel

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Monochamus galloprovincialis	Pine (Pinus)