Journal of Insect Behavior (2016) 29, 395-414

M.A. Brandl, M. Schumann, B.W. French and S. Vidal (2016)
Screening of botanical extracts for repellence against western corn rootworm larvae
Journal of Insect Behavior 29 (4), 395-414
Abstract: The ability of western corn rootworm (WCR) (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) to develop resistance to various management practices requires the development of new management options. Repellent extracts can act as efficacy enhancing agents in WCR control. The present study investigated the potential repellence of garlic (Allium sativum L.), pepper (Capsicum sp. L), cape aloe (Aloe ferox Mill.), neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) derived extracts against WCR larvae in a no-choice bioassays. In initial screenings garlic and turmeric were evaluated as the most promising extracts as WCR larvae avoided garlic / turmeric treated soil. Turmeric was further evaluated in a rhizotron set up to quantify larval distribution and behavioral changes over time. WCR larvae avoided turmeric treated soil up to 0.05 m from its application in the root system, resulting in an increased dispersal and the formation of multiple clusters in the rhizotron. The proportion of larvae actively moving in the soil subsequently increased, whereas larval feeding significantly decreased. The spatial and behavioral alterations in the soil lead to the conclusion that turmeric is a repellent extract for WCR larvae. Turmeric repellence might further be exploited for WCR management through a synergy with insecticidal substances or microbial antagonists.
(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): Stefan Vidal, Mario Schumann, B. Wade French

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Diabrotica virgifera