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Optimizing Generic Cerambycid Pheromone Lures for Australian Biosecurity and Biodiversity Monitoring
R A Hayes1, M W Griffiths2, H F Nahrung3
1Forest Industries Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4558, Australia (rhayes@usc.edu.au; manon.griffiths@daf.qld.gov.au; hnahrung@usc.edu.au) Horticulture and Forestry Science, Agri-Science Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia rhayes@usc.edu.au.
Pheromone lures were tested in Australia for cerambycid beetles, which are significant tree pests. Racemic 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one showed initial promise, but further optimization for effective trapping proved challenging.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Chemical Ecology
Background:
- Cerambycid beetles are a diverse family of insects.
- Many cerambycids are economically important pests of trees.
- Pheromone lures exist globally but haven't been tested in Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the efficacy of existing pheromone lures for Australian cerambycid beetles.
- To identify effective attractants for trapping these beetles in Queensland.
- To assess the potential for biosecurity and ecological studies.
Main Methods:
- Field trapping of cerambycid beetles over two seasons in southeast Queensland.
- Testing eight identified pheromones, including racemic 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one.
- Evaluating combinations of pheromones and host plant volatiles.
Main Results:
- 863 individuals from 47 cerambycid species were trapped.
- Racemic 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one was the most attractive single compound.
- Optimizing lures by adding components or host volatiles did not improve efficacy of 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one alone.
- A generic North American blend improved trapping only with host plant volatiles.
Conclusions:
- Existing pheromone lures show limited efficacy for Australian cerambycids.
- Racemic 3-hydroxyhexan-2-one is a potential attractant but requires further research.
- Effective lures are crucial for studying Australian cerambycid fauna and for biosecurity monitoring.
