Progress 04/21/11 to 09/13/15
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Identify chemical attractants (e.g., pheromones/kairomones and plant volatiles) for agriculturally important insect species (either pests or biocontrol agents for weed or insect pests) for which such knowledge is lacking or incomplete, determine the biological and environmental parameters for natural emission of the compounds, and synthesize or otherwise obtain them in quantities sufficient for field use. Characterize the behavioral responses toward the identified compounds under bioassay and field conditions, with special consideration to the development of practical management tools. Approach (from AD-416): The overall goals of this proposed research are to identify compounds that are attractive to pest insects and beneficial insects and to develop these semiochemicals into practical applications such as monitoring tools and pest control strategies. The project focuses on insect species for which such information is lacking or incomplete. The target species belong to a diverse group of insects: The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is a severe invasive buprestid pest of ash trees in North America. Host volatiles and essential oils contain several biologically active compounds useful for monitoring EAB. Purification and synthetic methods will be developed to obtain these target compounds in quantities necessary for field experiments. Three exotic parasitoids, Spathius agrili, Oobius agrili, and Tetrastichus planipennis have been released as possible EAB biocontrol agents. Semiochemicals involved in the parasitoid-host-tree complex will be identified focusing first on pheromones as attractants in monitoring the survival and establishment of newly released parasitoid populations. Diorhabda spp. are introduced biocontrol beetles for the invasive weedy tree, saltcedar (Tamarix spp.). Pheromone components for Diorhabda spp. are known, but the precise blend ratios for optimal attractiveness are still incomplete and will be further investigated. The lesser mealworm beetle (LMW), Alphitobius diaperinus is a global insect pest of commercially raised poultry. The pheromone blend of the LMW has recently been identified and can be synergized with poultry manure volatiles. However, knowledge on the correct blend composition is lacking. Optimized blends will be field- evaluated in order to develop a LMW control strategy. Users of the research results would be grower groups, regulatory agencies, land management agencies, businesses dealing with insect attractants, and other scientists. Ambrosia beetles have recently emerged as important pests that vector diseases to food crops and ornamental plants. Euwallacea nr. fornicatus is an invasive exotic ambrosia beetle that cultivates a fungal plant pathogen on avocado and ornamental plants in California, Florida, and Israel. In California these beetles are causing severe dieback of avocado trees. With a research interest in identifying chemical attractants for the management of agricultural pests, we have identified a volatile compound from beetle-infested plant material that is attractive to beetles in infested avocado orchards. This was made possible in collaboration with scientists from federal agencies, universities, and commercial entities. We synthetized four different 3D-versions of the compound called quercivorol and showed that the antennae of female beetles can detect the presence of all 3D-versions. We have elucidated which of the four 3D-versions of quercivorol is behavioral active in a lab bioassay and have successfully tested quercivorol, incorporated in commercial lures, in the field. We further analyzed the stability and efficacy of the commercial available lures. Current pest control measures against the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle are focused on a biological control program using natural enemies. The emerald ash borer has destroyed tens of millions of ash trees in twenty-four U.S. states and two Canadian provinces and the destructive force of this beetle is causing monetary losses to municipalities, property owners, nursery operators, and forest products industries. Several of its natural enemies have been released in the U.S. One of these natural enemies, Tetrastichus planipennisi, a non-stinging parasitic wasp lays eggs on the larval stages of EAB, killing these larvae when developing into adults. We have identified a female-produced pheromone that can be used to attract male parasitoids. This attractant in combination with traps will help with the determination if newly released parasite populations have become established. We have shown that the natural pheromone can attract male parasitoids in the field. The natural pheromone has a single 3D chemical shape, which was still undetermined. The chemical compound can have four possible 3D shapes. We have synthesized a mixture containing all four chemical shapes, but this mixture was not attractive, indicating that the presence of some none- natural chemical shapes can be inhibiting the attraction. We now have established the correct chemical shape of the pheromone and are proceeding to test the synthetic pheromone in lab behavioral assays and in the field. Accomplishments 01 Monitoring tool for the invasive ambrosia beetle Euwallacea sp. Avocado and ornamental plants in California, Florida, and Israel are being killed by an exotic ambrosia beetle, Euwallacea nr. fornicatus, which carries a fungal plant pathogen and is responsible for severe dieback of avocado trees. ARS scientists in Peoria, Illinois, in collaboration with scientists from federal agencies, universities, and commercial entities, identified an attractive compound (quercivorol) from beetle-infested plant material. This compound in combination with survey traps is now being used by avocado growers and arborists to monitor the spread of this highly destructive insect pest. The use of the lure will provide growers with effective detecting tools for implementation in integrated pest management programs.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Carrillo, D., Narvaez, T., Cosse, A.A., Stouthamer, R., Cooperband, M.F. 2015. Attraction of Euwallacea nr. fornicatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to lures containing quercivorol. Florida Entomologist. 98(2) :780-782.
- Cooperband, M., Hartness, A., Zilkowski, B.W., Lelito, J., Cosse, A.A. 2015. Attraction of spathius agrili yang (Hymenoptera: eulophidae) to male- produced "aggregation-sex pheromone:" differences between the sexes and mating status. Journal of Insect Behavior. 28(2):167-174.
- O'Donnell, K., Sink, S.L., Libeskind-Hadas, R., Hulcr, J., Kasson, M.T., Ploetz, R.C., Konkol, J.L., Ploetz, J.N., Carrillo, D., Campbell, A., Cosse, A.A., Rooney, A.P., et al. 2014. Discordant phylogenies suggest repeated host shifts in the Fusarium�Euwallacea ambrosia beetle mutualism. Fungal Genetics and Biology. 82:277-290.
- Zilkowski, B.W., Cosse, A.A. 2015. A culture method for darkling beetles, Blapstinus spp. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. 108(3):1010-1013.
|
Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Identify chemical attractants (e.g., pheromones/kairomones and plant volatiles) for agriculturally important insect species (either pests or biocontrol agents for weed or insect pests) for which such knowledge is lacking or incomplete, determine the biological and environmental parameters for natural emission of the compounds, and synthesize or otherwise obtain them in quantities sufficient for field use. Characterize the behavioral responses toward the identified compounds under bioassay and field conditions, with special consideration to the development of practical management tools. Approach (from AD-416): The overall goals of this proposed research are to identify compounds that are attractive to pest insects and beneficial insects and to develop these semiochemicals into practical applications such as monitoring tools and pest control strategies. The project focuses on insect species for which such information is lacking or incomplete. The target species belong to a diverse group of insects: The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is a severe invasive buprestid pest of ash trees in North America. Host volatiles and essential oils contain several biologically active compounds useful for monitoring EAB. Purification and synthetic methods will be developed to obtain these target compounds in quantities necessary for field experiments. Three exotic parasitoids, Spathius agrili, Oobius agrili, and Tetrastichus planipennis have been released as possible EAB biocontrol agents. Semiochemicals involved in the parasitoid-host-tree complex will be identified focusing first on pheromones as attractants in monitoring the survival and establishment of newly released parasitoid populations. Diorhabda spp. are introduced biocontrol beetles for the invasive weedy tree, saltcedar (Tamarix spp.). Pheromone components for Diorhabda spp. are known, but the precise blend ratios for optimal attractiveness are still incomplete and will be further investigated. The lesser mealworm beetle (LMW), Alphitobius diaperinus is a global insect pest of commercially raised poultry. The pheromone blend of the LMW has recently been identified and can be synergized with poultry manure volatiles. However, knowledge on the correct blend composition is lacking. Optimized blends will be field- evaluated in order to develop a LMW control strategy. Users of the research results would be grower groups, regulatory agencies, land management agencies, businesses dealing with insect attractants, and other scientists. The lesser mealworm (LMW), Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), has a cosmopolitan distribution. This species is an important insect pest of commercially raised poultry and has become resistant to commercially available pesticides. The LMW beetle uses pheromones for mate finding and volatile compounds to locate sources of food. ARS has been focused on identifying these attractive food odors and the LMW pheromone. Information on these attractants can be incorporated into the development of an insect control strategy for the LMW beetle using attractants to lessen the changes of insect pesticide resistance. The invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetle has destroyed tens of millions of ash trees in eighteen U.S. states and two Canadian provinces and the destructive force of this beetle is causing monetary losses to municipalities, property owners, nursery operators, and forest products industries. In order to control this beetle, several of its natural enemies have been released in the U.S. One of these natural enemies, Tetrastichus planipennisi (T. planipennisi), a non-stinging parasitic wasp lays eggs on the larval stages of EAB, killing these larvae when developing into adults. In order to evaluate establishment of T. planipennisi in areas where it has been introduced, current methods to determine its presence in the field include felling ash trees and rearing out developing insects, or peeling bark to manually search for parasitized EAB. However, felling and peeling trees is destructive and highly labor-intensive. We tested collected natural T. planipennisi pheromone with traps in field sites and determined that this pheromone enhanced trap catches when compared to unbaited traps, thus increasing the efficiency of determining the presence of the released parasite population. One of the major constraints to coffee production worldwide is the damage caused by the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae). This small beetle is endemic to Central Africa and can now be found throughout most coffee producing countries. Annual losses have been estimated at $500 million yearly, although a recent study from Brazil estimates yearly losses in that country at $215-$358 million per year, indicating that the $500 million figure is very conservative. Most of the life cycle is spent inside coffee berries, making this cryptic insect quite difficult to control both by chemical and non-chemical strategies. In lab bioassays, ARS has identified naturally-occurring compounds that inhibit the beetle from boring into the coffee berries, and lures have been formulated in collaboration with a commercial partner to test this inhibiting concept in the field. Recently, the Tea Shot Hole Borer (TSHB) (Euwallacea fornicatus), a pest of tea and avocado, was discovered in Florida, and the closely related Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) (Euwallacea [=Xyleborus] new species) was detected in several varieties of avocado (Lauraceae) and multiple other tree species in Los Angeles and Orange Counties in California. Morphologically, these two ambrosia beetles are indistinguishable, but they carry different species of mutualistic phytopathogenic fungi, Fusarium sp., and are genetically divergent enough to be considered as potentially separate species. The ambrosia fungus they carry causes Fusarium Dieback in infected trees. The PSHB beetles are highly polyphagous, and attack over 200 tree species, the top eight of which make up 25% of all street trees in southern California. California�s $300 million-per-year avocado industry accounts for 90% of U.S.-grown avocados, with Florida accounting for most of the rest. With the new presence of the PSHB in California and Florida, the U.S. avocado industry faces a grave threat, similar to the avocado industry in Israel. ARS has started a project to detect and identified possible attractants for these beetles that can be used in beetle detection programs. We have established insect colonies of both species (TSHB, PSHB) on artificial diet and have these insects available year-round for lab studies. Accomplishments 01 Enhanced effectiveness of the natural female-produced sex pheromone of Tetrastichus planipennisi. The egg parasitoid Tetrastichus planipennisi (T. planipennisi) is a natural enemy of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle pest from Asia that is causing widespread mortality of ash trees in the U.S. and Canada. ARS scientists in the Crop Bioprotection Research Unit at the USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, Illinois, together with scientists from the Forest Service and University of Michigan, have determined that traps baited with natural collected sex pheromone are at least twenty times more attractive to T. planipennisi compared to unbaited traps, which will enhance the attractant-baited trapping scheme for population sampling of this parasitoid and subsequently will help to determine its parasitic effect on populations of EAB beetles. This finding aids scientists and regulatory officials working to control EAB populations.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
|
Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Identify chemical attractants (e.g., pheromones/kairomones and plant volatiles) for agriculturally important insect species (either pests or biocontrol agents for weed or insect pests) for which such knowledge is lacking or incomplete, determine the biological and environmental parameters for natural emission of the compounds, and synthesize or otherwise obtain them in quantities sufficient for field use. Characterize the behavioral responses toward the identified compounds under bioassay and field conditions, with special consideration to the development of practical management tools. Approach (from AD-416): The overall goals of this proposed research are to identify compounds that are attractive to pest insects and beneficial insects and to develop these semiochemicals into practical applications such as monitoring tools and pest control strategies. The project focuses on insect species for which such information is lacking or incomplete. The target species belong to a diverse group of insects: The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is a severe invasive buprestid pest of ash trees in North America. Host volatiles and essential oils contain several biologically active compounds useful for monitoring EAB. Purification and synthetic methods will be developed to obtain these target compounds in quantities necessary for field experiments. Three exotic parasitoids, Spathius agrili, Oobius agrili, and Tetrastichus planipennis have been released as possible EAB biocontrol agents. Semiochemicals involved in the parasitoid-host-tree complex will be identified focusing first on pheromones as attractants in monitoring the survival and establishment of newly released parasitoid populations. Diorhabda spp. are introduced biocontrol beetles for the invasive weedy tree, saltcedar (Tamarix spp.). Pheromone components for Diorhabda spp. are known, but the precise blend ratios for optimal attractiveness are still incomplete and will be further investigated. The lesser mealworm beetle (LMW), Alphitobius diaperinus is a global insect pest of commercially raised poultry. The pheromone blend of the LMW has recently been identified and can be synergized with poultry manure volatiles. However, knowledge on the correct blend composition is lacking. Optimized blends will be field- evaluated in order to develop a LMW control strategy. Users of the research results would be grower groups, regulatory agencies, land management agencies, businesses dealing with insect attractants, and other scientists. The invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle has destroyed tens of millions of ash trees in eighteen U.S. states and two Canadian provinces and the destructive force of this beetle is causing monetary losses to municipalities, property owners, nursery operators and forest products industries. In order to control this beetle several of its natural enemies have been released in the U.S. One of these natural enemies, Spathius agrili, a non-stinging parasitic wasp lays eggs on the larval stages of EAB, killing these larvae when developing into adults. In order to evaluate establishment of S. agrili in areas where it has been introduced, current methods to determine its presence in the field include felling ash trees and rearing out developing insects, or peeling bark to manually search for parasitized EAB. However, felling and peeling trees is destructive and highly labor-intensive. We explored the color preferences and other behaviors of adult wasps for the possible development of an attractant-baited trap for population sampling of S. agrili. One of the major constraints to coffee production worldwide is the damage caused by the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae). This small beetle is endemic to Central Africa and can now be found throughout most coffee producing countries. Annual losses have been estimated at $500 million yearly, although a recent study from Brazil estimates yearly losses in that country at $215 to $358 million per year, indicating that the $500 million figure is very conservative. Most of the life cycle is spent inside coffee berries, making this cryptic insect quite difficult to control both by chemical and non-chemical strategies. In lab bioassays, we have identified natural occurring compounds that inhibit the beetle from boring into the coffee berries. Recently, the Tea Shot Hole Borer (TSHB) (Euwallacea fornicatus), a pest of tea and avocado, was discovered in Florida, and the closely related Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) (Euwallacea [=Xyleborus] new species) was detected in several varieties of avocado (Lauraceae) and multiple other tree species in Los Angeles and Orange Counties in California. Morphologically, these two ambrosia beetles are indistinguishable, but they carry different species of mutualistic phytopathogenic fungi, Fusarium sp., and are genetically divergent enough to be considered as potentially separate species. The phytopathogenic fungus they carry causes Fusarium Dieback in infected trees. The PSHB beetles are highly polyphagous, and attack over 200 tree species, the top eight of which make up 25% of all street trees in southern California. California�s $300 million-per-year avocado industry accounts for 90% of U.S. grown avocados, with Florida accounting for most of the rest. With the new presence of the PSHB in California and TSHB in Florida, the U.S. avocado industry faces a grave threat, similar to the avocado industry in Israel. We have started a project to detect and identified possible attractants for these beetles that can be used in beetle detection programs. Accomplishments 01 Determination of color preference and other behaviors for Spathius agrili. Spathius agrili is a natural enemy of the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle pest from Asia that is causing widespread mortality of ash trees in the U.S. and Canada. ARS Crop Bioprotection Research Unit scientists at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, Illinois, together with scientists from Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), determined white to yellow color preferences for flight and landing behavior of adult wasps and used this color for the development of an attractant-baited trap for population sampling of S. agrili. This research created a more effective S. agrili trap.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Cooperband, M.F., Hartness, A., Lelito, J.P., Cosse, A.A. 2013. Landing surface color preferences of Spathius agrili (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a parasitoid of emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Journal of Insect Behavior. 26(5):721-729. DOI:10.1007/ s10905-013-9387-3.
|
Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Identify chemical attractants (e.g., pheromones/kairomones and plant volatiles) for agriculturally important insect species (either pests or biocontrol agents for weed or insect pests) for which such knowledge is lacking or incomplete, determine the biological and environmental parameters for natural emission of the compounds, and synthesize or otherwise obtain them in quantities sufficient for field use. Characterize the behavioral responses toward the identified compounds under bioassay and field conditions, with special consideration to the development of practical management tools. Approach (from AD-416): The overall goals of this proposed research are to identify compounds that are attractive to pest insects and beneficial insects and to develop these semiochemicals into practical applications such as monitoring tools and pest control strategies. The project focuses on insect species for which such information is lacking or incomplete. The target species belong to a diverse group of insects: The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is a severe invasive buprestid pest of ash trees in North America. Host volatiles and essential oils contain several biologically active compounds useful for monitoring EAB. Purification and synthetic methods will be developed to obtain these target compounds in quantities necessary for field experiments. Three exotic parasitoids, Spathius agrili, Oobius agrili, and Tetrastichus planipennis have been released as possible EAB biocontrol agents. Semiochemicals involved in the parasitoid-host-tree complex will be identified focusing first on pheromones as attractants in monitoring the survival and establishment of newly released parasitoid populations. Diorhabda spp. are introduced biocontrol beetles for the invasive weedy tree, saltcedar (Tamarix spp.). Pheromone components for Diorhabda spp. are known, but the precise blend ratios for optimal attractiveness are still incomplete and will be further investigated. The lesser mealworm beetle (LMW), Alphitobius diaperinus is a global insect pest of commercially raised poultry. The pheromone blend of the LMW has recently been identified and can be synergized with poultry manure volatiles. However, knowledge on the correct blend composition is lacking. Optimized blends will be field- evaluated in order to develop a LMW control strategy. Users of the research results would be grower groups, regulatory agencies, land management agencies, businesses dealing with insect attractants, and other scientists. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle pest from Asia that is causing widespread mortality of ash trees in the U.S. and Canada. This highly cryptic insect is detected in the field with the use of traps baited with natural attractants (e.g. ash tree volatiles), which are placed in ash trees. Chemical control of the beetles is not feasible due to the large area involved (15 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces). However, biological control with natural enemies might be more successful. Three species of none-stinging parasitic wasps, originally reared from EAB in China, have been released in the U.S. as possible biological EAB control agents. Earlier on we have identified the pheromone of EAB, and together with scientists from the Canadian Forest Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), we now have demonstrated that very small amounts of this pheromone mixed together with a single ash volatile compound is highly attractive to adult EAB insects in the field. This newly developed attractant mixture could be a more cost efficient and more attractive alternative to the current ash oils that are used in the national survey programs. Tools are needed in order to determine if newly released parasitic wasps have been established in the field release areas. Earlier we have identified the pheromone of one of the three imported parasitic wasps, which can be used as a monitoring tool. This natural attractant could be used in monitoring systems to evaluate the establishment and spread of newly released populations of EAB biocontrol agents. We now have identified the pheromone of a native parasitic wasp that has adapted to EAB as a host and populations of this wasp have seen a dramatic increase in Michigan over the last few years. This new pheromone attractant can be used to follow its progress as a native natural enemy of EAB and check if populations of this native parasitoid also exist in other U.S. states. Accomplishments 01 New tools to harness biocontrol agents of the Emerald Ash Borer. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle pest from Asia that is causing widespread mortality of ash trees in the United States. Methods control this major insect pest are urgently needed. Spathius floridanus a newly discovered natural enemy of the EAB that is native to the United States and a potential biocontrol agent for the EAB. However, tools are needed to detect and subsequently monitor populations of this species if it is to be successfully developed as a biocontrol agent. ARS scientists in the Crop Bioprotection Research Unit in Peoria, IL, have found a pheromone that works as an attractant for this species. This pheromone, well as other chemical attractants developed by researchers in Peoria, will be used to track S. floridanus in the field and monitor its effectiveness in controlling EAB infestations. 02 New chemical attractants for the detection of the Emerald Ash Borer. Se pheromones (chemicals produced by insects to attract mates) are needed i pest management programs to detect, track, and monitor insect population The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect pest that is causing severe damage to ash trees in North America. ARS scientists in the Crop Bioprotection Research Unit in Peoria, IL, identified the EAB sex pheromone and showed that it can be mixed with a chemical produced by as trees to make a highly effective attractant for adult EAB insects. In addition, this newly developed attractant mixture is more cost-efficient than the ash oils that are currently used. As a result, efforts to detec and control EAB populations will be greatly improved.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Rooney, A.P., Xue, B., Roelofs, W.L. 2012. Genome-wide screening and transcriptional profile analysis of desaturase genes in the European corn borer moth. Insect Science. 19:55-63. DOI: 10.111/j.1744-7917.2011.01427.x.
- Cosse, A.A., Petroski, R.J., Zilkowski, B.W., Vermillion, K., Lilito, J.P., Cooperband, M.F., Gould, J.R. 2012. Male-produced pheromone of Spathius agrili, a parasitoid introduced for the biological control of the invasive emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 38(1) :389-399.
- Crook, D., Khrimian, A., Cosse, A.A., Frazer, I., Mastro, V. 2012. Influence of trap color and host volatiles on capture of the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Journal of Environmental Entomology. 105:429-437.
|
Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Identify chemical attractants (e.g., pheromones/kairomones and plant volatiles) for agriculturally important insect species (either pests or biocontrol agents for weed or insect pests) for which such knowledge is lacking or incomplete, determine the biological and environmental parameters for natural emission of the compounds, and synthesize or otherwise obtain them in quantities sufficient for field use. Characterize the behavioral responses toward the identified compounds under bioassay and field conditions, with special consideration to the development of practical management tools. Approach (from AD-416) The overall goals of this proposed research are to identify compounds that are attractive to pest insects and beneficial insects and to develop these semiochemicals into practical applications such as monitoring tools and pest control strategies. The project focuses on insect species for which such information is lacking or incomplete. The target species belong to a diverse group of insects: The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is a severe invasive buprestid pest of ash trees in North America. Host volatiles and essential oils contain several biologically active compounds useful for monitoring EAB. Purification and synthetic methods will be developed to obtain these target compounds in quantities necessary for field experiments. Three exotic parasitoids, Spathius agrili, Oobius agrili, and Tetrastichus planipennis have been released as possible EAB biocontrol agents. Semiochemicals involved in the parasitoid-host-tree complex will be identified focusing first on pheromones as attractants in monitoring the survival and establishment of newly released parasitoid populations. Diorhabda spp. are introduced biocontrol beetles for the invasive weedy tree, saltcedar (Tamarix spp.). Pheromone components for Diorhabda spp. are known, but the precise blend ratios for optimal attractiveness are still incomplete and will be further investigated. The lesser mealworm beetle (LMW), Alphitobius diaperinus is a global insect pest of commercially raised poultry. The pheromone blend of the LMW has recently been identified and can be synergized with poultry manure volatiles. However, knowledge on the correct blend composition is lacking. Optimized blends will be field- evaluated in order to develop a LMW control strategy. Users of the research results would be grower groups, regulatory agencies, land management agencies, businesses dealing with insect attractants, and other scientists. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle pest from Asia that is causing widespread mortality of ash trees in the U.S. and Canada. Three species of parasitic Hymenoptera originally reared from EAB in China have been released in the U.S. as possible biological EAB control agents. We have identified the pheromone of one of these parasitic wasps. This natural attractant could be used in monitoring systems to evaluate the establishment and spread of newly released populations of EAB biocontrol agents. National surveys, performed by federal and state agencies, are to determine the presence of EAB in forests, woodlots, and urban areas. These surveys rely on traps baited with attractants that are placed in still healthy ash trees. The current attractants are based on attractive compounds released by stressed ash trees. Since these attractants are not commercially available they will have to be synthesized. However, synthesis of these compounds is not simple and not without considerable costs. We have confirmed the behavioral function of the earlier identified female-produced sex pheromone in field experiments in the U.S. and Canada. This pheromone could be used to increase the effectiveness of the attractants already in use for the monitoring of EAB. The lesser mealworm (LMW) beetle has a cosmopolitan distribution. This species has become an important insect pest of commercially raised poultry. USDA, ARS Crop Bioprotection Research Unit scientists at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, IL, in collaboration with BASF Corp., are investigating natural attractants for LMW beetles to be used as baits in poultry facilities. The result of these investigations has led to the discovery of male-produced LMW pheromone and several food attractants. These attractants were tested in a wind tunnel bioassay where the beetles have to locate an upwind odor source. The wind tunnel bioassay allows the scientists to test the behavioral activity of potential attractants and optimize attractive blends that can be used in commercial poultry facilities for the control of LMW. A second behavioral bioassay, resembling a simplified poultry facility, is being developed to test LMW attractants in a more life-like environment. Accomplishments 01 Identification of the male-produced pheromone of Spathius agrili. Spathius agrili is an imported natural enemy of the emerald ash borer (E an invasive beetle pest from Asia that is causing widespread mortality ash trees in the U.S. and Canada. USDA, ARS Crop Bioprotection Research Unit scientists at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, IL, have found a pheromone that works as an attractant for S. agrili. This biocontrol wasp is being released in large numbers throughout all the states that are affected by the EAB infestation. The pheromone will assist in determining the population densities of newly released population of S. agrili, thereby helping forest and woodlot managers in their assessment of EAB biological control. 02 Identification of the female-produced pheromone of the emerald ash borer (EAB). Earlier USDA, ARS Crop Bioprotection Research Unit scientists at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, IL, identified the chemical structure of the EAB sex pheromone, but behavior evidence is needed to confirm the pheromone attractant label. Field studies in the U.S. and Canada, with help from U.S. and Canadian collaborators, confirmed that the sex pheromone is an attractant for EAB This result will help in the detection of new populations of this destructive ash pest by using the pheromone to pinpoint the presence of EAB populations.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Petroski, R.J., Vermillion, K., Cosse, A.A. 2011. Two-carbon homologation of aldehydes and ketones to a,�-unsaturated aldehydes. Molecules. 16(6) :5062-5078.
- Rooney, A.P. 2011. Pheromone emergencies and drifting moth genomes. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 18(108):8069-8070.
|
|