Male-produced aggregation pheromone ofCarpophilus obsoletus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Chemical Ecology
• Insect Behavior

Background:

• Carpophilus obsoletus males produce an aggregation pheromone.
• This pheromone attracts both males and females of the species.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify the aggregation pheromone produced by Carpophilus obsoletus males.
• Evaluate the efficacy of the synthetic pheromone in attracting beetles in field conditions.

Main Methods:

• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for pheromone identification.
• Wind-tunnel bioassays to test pheromone synergy with propyl acetate.
• Field trapping experiments using synthetic pheromone and a coattractant (fermenting dough).

Main Results:

• The aggregation pheromone was identified as (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-undecatetraene (1).
• Propyl acetate synergized the pheromone's attractiveness in wind-tunnel bioassays.
• Synthetic pheromone combined with dough significantly attracted more beetles than dough alone in field tests.
• Captured beetles were 54% female, and peak trap catches occurred in July and August.

Conclusions:

• The identified compound is the aggregation pheromone of Carpophilus obsoletus.
• The pheromone, when used with a host-type coattractant, shows potential for effective insect pest management.