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Arrestment behavior in the polyphagous tropical root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus
Stephen L Lapointe1, David G Hall
1USDA-ARS, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, 2001 South Rock Rd., Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA. Stephen.Lapointe@ars.usda.gov
Journal of Economic Entomology
|July 21, 2009
Summary
Researchers identified a semiochemical attractant for the Diaprepes abbreviatus weevil. Feces and fed-upon citrus leaves attract and arrest weevils, indicating semiochemicals mediate host and mate location.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Chemical Ecology
- Pest Management
Background:
- The tropical root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus, is a significant polyphagous pest introduced to Florida.
- Effective semiochemical-based attractants for this weevil have been a long-standing research objective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate volatile and contact semiochemicals influencing the behavior of Diaprepes abbreviatus adults.
- To identify attractants for managing this invasive pest.
Main Methods:
- A six-unit wind tunnel was utilized to simultaneously test adult weevil responses to semiochemicals.
- Arrestment behavior was quantified by observing weevils stopping on targets.
- Responses to controls, young citrus leaves (flush), fed-on flush, and frass were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Weevils showed no response to a control (no odor).
- Young citrus leaves induced some upwind movement but no arrestment.
- Citrus flush fed upon by weevils, and weevil frass, were highly attractive and induced significant arrestment in both sexes.
- Arrestment was eliminated when fed-on flush was inaccessible for contact, suggesting contact semiochemicals are crucial.
Conclusions:
- Host and mate location in Diaprepes abbreviatus are mediated by both volatile and contact semiochemicals.
- Weevil frass and cues from fed-upon host plants are key attractants.
- These findings provide a basis for developing semiochemical-based control strategies for Diaprepes abbreviatus.
