Captures ofEarias insulana males in water traps and dry funnel traps baited with synthetic pheromone or virgin females

(E, E)-10,12-hexadecadienal (HDD) effectively attracted males ofEarias insulana (Boisduval) when released from polyethylene vials but not from rubber dispensers. Traps baited with 3 mg HDD/trap were as effective in luring males as traps baited with four virgin females. Funnel traps baited with either HDD or virgin females captured significantly more males than water traps baited with the same lures.     

Combining visual cues and pheromone blends for monitoring and management of the tarnished plant bug Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae)

BACKGROUND

The tarnished plant bug Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) is considered the most damaging pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the mid-southern United States. Previous studies have reported the role of different ratios of volatile metathoracic gland components such as hexyl butyrate, (E)-2-hexenyl butyrate and (E)-4-oxo-2-hexenal in eliciting low-level attraction of L. lineolaris. In this study, we tested different visual cues (colored sticky cards) in combination with olfactory cues (pheromone blends) to optimize the attraction and capture of L. lineolaris in the field.

RESULTS

Red-colored sticky cards were more attractive to L. lineolaris adults than white, blue or yellow cards. Red sticky cards combined with blends of three potential pheromone components attracted significantly more L. lineolaris adults than sticky cards without a blend added. Traps baited with a blend of hexyl butyrate, (E)-2-hexenyl butyrate and (E)-4-oxo-2-hexenal in 4:10:7 ratio, respectively, caught a significantly higher number of L. lineolaris than those baited with 10:4:2 or 7:10:4 blends or an unbaited control in the first week of the experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining visual cues (red color) with olfactory cues (pheromone blends) significantly increased the capture of L. lineolaris in the field. This device or a future iteration could contribute towards sustainable and environmentally appropriate early-season monitoring and management of L. lineolaris in the field. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.     

Attraction ofOrthotomicus erosus andPityogenes calcaratus to a synthetic aggregation pheromone ofIps typographus

Funnel traps baited with a synthetic aggregation pheromone ofIps typographus L. (Pheroprax) or with methyl-butenol were tested for mass-trapping ofOrthotomicus erosus (Woll.) andPityogenes calcaratus Eichh. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), the major bark beetle pests of pine forests in Israel. The traps were operated during three periods in the years 1985–1986 in five pine forests. More than 170 individuals ofO. erosus and 180P. calcaratus per trap per day were caught in Pheroprax-baited traps in the warm season; the latter species was trapped in large numbers also during the winter. Traps baited with methyl-butenol did not attract significant numbers ofO. erosus orP. calcaratus. Sixteen species of insect associates and predators of pine scolytids were trapped, but onlyHylurgus micklitzi Wachtl (Scolytidae),Eremotes porcatus Germ. (Curculionidae) (first record in Israel) andAulonium ruflcorne Oliv. (Colydiidae) were caught in considerable numbers (a total of several hundred). The mass catches of the target beetles and the very small number of predators trapped, suggest that Pheroprax-baited traps may be useful for bark beetle management in Israeli pine forests.     

Efficacy of the pear ester as a monitoring tool for codling moth Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in New Zealand apple orchards

BACKGROUND: The behavioural response of both sexes of codling moth, Cydia pomonella to the pear-derived kairomone (ethyl (2E,4Z)-2,4-decadienoate), codling moth sex pheromone (E,E-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol), and sex pheromone combined with the pear derived kairomone loaded into red rubber septum were investigated in trapping experiments in New Zealand apple orchards. A range of 0.01-10.0 mg of pheromone loading in rubber septum dispensers was tested and the highest catch of males was in traps baited with 1.0 mg. No dose response in trap catch of males was seen in traps baited with different amounts of pear-derived kairomone (0.01-10.0 mg). RESULTS: The number of females caught was significantly affected by the amount of pear derived kairomone used to bait traps, with the highest catch obtained at 10 mg loading. The attractiveness of sex pheromone was not enhanced by the addition of the kairomone either when used in the same bait or in a separate bait. The mean number of males captured in traps was reduced by 44% when the pheromone and kairomone were combined at ratio of 1:1 (0.1 mg pheromone: 0.1 mg kairomone) in separate sources. CONCLUSION: Kairomone baited traps showed some potential for monitoring the flight activity of female C. pomonella in apple orchards in two locations (Canterbury and Hawke's Bay). However, the number of male moths caught was low as compared to the number of male moths caught in pheromone-baited traps, and therefore the sex pheromone should continue to be used for monitoring male activity.     

(Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and 1-undecanol increase male attraction to sex pheromone trap in Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The effects of host-plant volatiles (HPVs) on male oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), and response to sex pheromone trap were studied in a pear orchard. Two HPVs compounds, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and 1-undecanol, combined with sex pheromone of G. molesta in traps were tested. The results showed that most of the male moths were captured in the traps baited with the sex pheromone combined with these two HPVs compounds than by the pheromone alone. Also, more males were captured by the trap containing pheromone plus (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate than by the one containing 1-undecanol. It appeared that these HPVs act as sex pheromone synergists to enhance the attraction of male G. molestato pheromone traps, since males were not captured in the traps baited only with (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and/or 1-undecanol.     

Further studies on the role of monoterpenes in pine host selection and oviposition ofThaumetopoea pityocampa

In a young mixed pine plantation (Pinus nigra andP. pinea) in central Italy, the influence of the pine needle monoterpenes (R)-(+)-limonene, (S)-(−)-limonene and (1S)-(−)-β-pinene on the oviposition activity of the pine processionary moth,Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis et Schiffermüller), was assessed. Two application methods were compared: spraying the trees with the substances emulsified with water, and setting up polyethylene dispensers from which the monoterpenes evaporated. During the moth’s flight period weekly treatments (at 500 mg of monoterpene /l water) were carried out and the evaporation from the polyethylene dispensers (each with 5 g of a single monoterpene) was checked on each occasion by weighing the dispensers. The GLM analysis did not uncover any difference between the methods of application or between the pine species.T. pityocampa laid a significantly (P=0.01) lower number of egg masses on the trees treated with (1S)-(−)-β-pinene than on those treated with the other substances and on the control trees. A ∼45% reduction in egg mass number was obtained on the pines treated with (1S)-(−)-β-pinene, independent of the level of infestation, method of application or pine species. (R)-(+)-limonene and (S)-(−)-limonene were not effective. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting July 29, 2008.     

Catching Ips duplicatus (Sahlberg) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) with pheromone‐baited traps: optimal trap type,colour, height and distance to infestation

BACKGROUND: Field trapping experiments were carried out to evaluate effective trap characteristics for maximising Ips duplicatus (Sahlberg) catches in pheromone‐baited traps in China. RESULTS: Window‐slot and cross‐barrier traps had significantly higher catches than multiple‐funnel traps. The colour of window‐slot traps showed a significant effect on catches, with dark colours (black and red) being more effective than light colours, especially white and yellow. Window‐slot traps at a 1.5–2.0 m level caught more beetles than those at either ground level (0–0.5 m) or at 3.5–4.0 m. Ips duplicatus can be attracted to pheromone‐baited traps over a distance of > 100 m from the forest edge in an open grassy field. There was a strong diurnal pattern of flight activity, with catches on window‐slot traps occurring during the daytime with one broad peak at mid‐ to late afternoon. The seasonal flight activity of I. duplicatus as monitored by pheromone‐baited window‐slot traps during 2007–2008 indicated that three major flight peaks occurred in early June, late June–early July and late July respectively, suggesting the existence of a potential second generation. CONCLUSION: The optimal trap characteristics will improve the performance of pheromone‐baited traps as a critical monitoring or mass‐trapping tool to combat outbreaks of this pest species. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Non-target beetles (Coleoptera) in Trypodendron pheromone traps in Finland

Non-target beetles were surveyed in Trypodendron pheromone traps in 3 localities in Finland. Two window traps baited with Trypolure, containing lineatin dissolved in ethanol, and one control trap without attractant were used in each locality. A total of 1648 specimens belonging to 223 non-target species were recorded. The species were divided into five ecological groups to be treated separately. Hylurgops palliatus and Hylastes cunicularius were abundant in baited traps, whereas other scolytids as a group did not show clear attraction. Other species living in recently dead trees, including bark- and wood-boring species and associated species (predators, scavengers, fungivores, etc.), were clearly attracted by Trypolure. The most abundant ones were Hylecoetes flabellicornis, Thanasimus formicarius, Rhizophagus dispar, and Rhizophagus nitidulus. Although numerous in the samples, saproxylic species inhabiting more decayed wood and non-saproxylic species did not seem to be attracted. Grouping of species into ecological groups was helpful in the search for attraction patterns among species that usually are scarce in pheromone traps.     

Monoterpene and Phenolic Compound Concentrations in Water-Stressed Red Pine Inoculated with Sphaeropsis sapinea

ABSTRACT Changes in monoterpene and phenolic compounds resulting from water stress and colonization by Sphaeropsis sapinea were examined for 9- and 11-year-old red pine trees in a plantation and 3-year-old seedlings in a growth chamber. Four treatments were assigned at random to individual trees in the field: no treatment, herbicide to kill surrounding weeds, supplemental water, and both herbicide and supplemental water. In the growth chamber, seedlings were either not watered (water stressed) or watered daily (nonstressed). Shoots were inoculated with agar plugs colonized with either S. sapinea isolates of morphotype A and B (field) or only isolates of morphotype A (growth chamber). Nine monoterpenes were detected in tissue extracts; the most common were alpha-pinene (59 to 74% of the total), beta-pinene (13 to 33% of the total), and delta-3-carene (1 to 5% of the total). Shoots inoculated with isolates of morphotype A had more severe symptoms and produced higher concentrations of monoterpenes in both experiments compared with the controls. In the growth chamber, inoculations with isolates of morphotype A caused higher concentrations of phenolics compared with the controls. In the field experiment, monoterpenes increased in quantity only in shoots of stressed trees inoculated with isolates of morphotype A. Isolates of morphotype B caused few symptoms and did not alter monoterpene concentrations. Increases in monoterpenes do not appear to be involved in the response to infection by morphotype A in nonstressed trees, and the role of phenolics is unclear. However, these results are consistent with previous observations that monoterpenes may be involved in the differences in aggressiveness between morphotypes on red pine.     

Non-Host Volatiles Disrupt the Response of the Stenographer Bark Beetle, Ips sexdentatus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), to Pheromone-Baited traps and Maritime Pine Logs

Non-host volatiles (NHV) were tested on antennae of Ips sexdentatus with coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD). Significant antennal responses were found to aggregation pheromone components, ipsdienol and amitinol, an attraction inhibitor, verbenone, and non-host bark volatiles extracted from Betula pendula, including trans-conophthorin (tC) and alcohols. The tC, a blend of three green leaf alcohols (C6-alcohols), and a blend of two bark alcohols (C8-alcohols) were tested in combination for their ability to disrupt the attraction of the stenographer bark beetle to pheromone-baited traps, unbaited and pheromone-baited maritime pine logs. The strongest disruptive effect resulted from the addition of the tC combined with the blends of NHV alcohols at high release rate, achieving an 83% reduction in trap catches, 89% reduction of attacks on unbaited pine logs, and 60% on baited logs. It is proposed that the two types of NHV have an additive effect, tC playing a major role in pheromone disruption while the alcohols would interrupt host specific signals. The results suggest that I. sexdentatus uses both bark and green leaf volatiles from non-host tree species in the host selection process. These NHV are promising disruptants, which could be used to prevent stenographer bark beetle attacks on log piles or standing trees in forest. A mixture of conifers and broad-leaved species would also disturb olfactory guided host selection supporting the assumption that more diverse forests are less prone to pest insect outbreaks.     

Impact of sub-lethal residues of azinphos-methyl on the pheromone-communication systems of insecticide-susceptible and insecticide-resistant obliquebanded leafrollers Choristoneura rosaceana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The effects of sub-lethal residues of azinphos-methyl on pheromone production, calling, female attractiveness and the ability of males to locate sources of natural and synthetic pheromone were compared in azinphos-methyl-susceptible (susceptible) and azinphos-methyl-resistant (resistant) obliquebanded leafrollers, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris). The amount of pheromone in susceptible females was reduced by 29-33% after exposure to azinphos-methyl; this treatment did not affect the pheromone content of resistant females. Azinphos-methyl-treated resistant females contained 39-43% less pheromone than azinphos-methyl-treated susceptible females. Resistant females that were not treated with azinphos-methyl contained 35-56% less pheromone than susceptible females that were not treated with insecticide. The incidence of calling was reduced by 67-100% in azinphos-methyl-treated susceptible females; the incidence of calling by resistant females was not affected by exposure to azinphos-methyl. The incidence of calling by azinphos-methyl-treated susceptible females was 58-100% lower than that of azinphos-methyl-treated resistant females. There was no difference in the incidence of calling between susceptible and resistant females that had not been treated with insecticide. In a flight tunnel, treatment with insecticide reduced the attractiveness of susceptible females by 38%; treatment with insecticide did not affect the attractiveness of resistant females. There was no difference in the proportion of males attracted to susceptible and resistant females that had, or had not been treated with insecticide. In an apple orchard, the attractiveness of susceptible and resistant females treated with azinphos-methyl was reduced by 84 and 12%, respectively. The proportion of males attracted to azinphos-methyl-treated susceptible females was 58% lower than the proportion attracted to azinphos-methyl-treated resistant females, whereas, if females were not treated with insecticide, the proportion attracted to resistant females was 57% lower than the proportion attracted to susceptible females. In a flight tunnel, azinphos-methyl did not affect the ability of susceptible or resistant males to locate a source of pheromone gland extract. Likewise, in an apple orchard, the insecticide treatment had no effect on the ability of susceptible or resistant males to locate a source of synthetic pheromone. In a flight tunnel, there was no difference in the proportion of azinphos-methyl-treated susceptible and resistant males locating a source of pheromone gland extract; however, in the orchard, 39% fewer azinphos-methyl-treated resistant males located a source of synthetic pheromone than azinphos-methyl-treated susceptible males. A similar proportion of susceptible and resistant males that had not been treated with insecticide located a source of pheromone gland extract in the flight tunnel, but in the orchard, the proportion of resistant males not treated with azinphos-methyl that located the source of synthetic pheromone was 32% lower than the proportion of susceptible males not treated with this insecticide. The implications of the differences in the effect of sub-lethal residues of azinphos-methyl on the pheromone communication system of susceptible and resistant moths are discussed in relation to the theory of the development of insecticide resistance, the detection of resistance in feral populations of moths using sex pheromone-baited traps, and the control of moths using sex pheromone-mediated mating disruption.     

性信息素诱捕器与频振杀虫灯对甜菜夜蛾发生监测作用的比较

通过甜菜夜蛾两种性信息素诱捕器与频振杀虫灯对甜菜夜蛾诱捕效果比较表明,两种性信息素诱捕器与频振式杀虫灯所诱到的成虫消长规律基本一致。通过SAS统计分析,干式性信息素诱捕器、水盆性信息素诱捕器和频振杀虫灯的平均诱虫量变化趋势紧密相关,相关系数分别为r₁=0.950 36,r₂=0.934 55,r₃=0.853 20。但两种性信息素诱捕器的诱蛾量高于频振杀虫灯,干式诱捕器与频振灯诱蛾量差异显著(p<0.05)。     

3种赤眼蜂对二化螟和稻纵卷叶螟性信息素的嗅觉反应

为明确3种稻田常见赤眼蜂,稻螟赤眼蜂Trichogramma japonicun Ashmead、螟黄赤眼蜂T.chilonis Ishii和松毛虫赤眼蜂T.dendrolimi Matsumura对水稻主要鳞翅目害虫二化螟Chilo suppressalis(Walker)和稻纵卷叶螟Cnaphalocrocis medinalis(Guenée)人工合成性信息素的反应,本研究采用Y-型嗅觉仪测定了赤眼蜂对0.01、0.1、1、10、100和1000μg 6种不同剂量性信息素诱芯的嗅觉反应。结果表明,二化螟性信息素对稻螟赤眼蜂雌蜂具有显著的吸引作用,对螟黄赤眼蜂和松毛虫赤眼蜂的吸引作用不明显。而稻纵卷叶螟性信息素对3种赤眼雌蜂仅在特定浓度下具有显著的吸引作用。这说明赤眼蜂可以利用寄主的性信息素对寄主进行定位。利用人工合成性信息素对赤眼蜂吸引力的特性可用以促进非稻田生境中的赤眼蜂向稻田迁移从而提高稻田的生物防治能力。     

Synthesis of allylic trifluoromethyl ketones and their activity as inhibitors of the sex pheromone of the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae)

BACKGROUND: Trifluoromethyl ketones (TFMKs), structurally related to the pheromones, are good inhibitors of pheromone communication in insects. To determine their activity on Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae), a polyphagous pest, the authors have prepared two diunsaturated TFMK analogues of the major (3) and the minor (4) pheromone components, and two monounsaturated ones (5, 6). Their biological activity in electroantennogram (EAG), wind tunnel and field tests is presented. RESULTS: The synthetic strategy to obtain the allylic TFMKs 3 and 5 is based on the reactions of diene 10 and 1‐octadecene with trifluoroacetaldehyde ethyl hemiacetal, followed by Dess–Martin oxidation of the resulting homoallylic trifluoromethyl alcohols. In EAG, topical application of analogues 3 and 4 on male antennae significantly reduced the pheromone response. In the wind tunnel, compound 4 reduced the number of contacts with the pheromone source. In the field, traps baited with mixtures of pheromone and inhibitors captured significantly fewer males than the pheromone alone. CONCLUSION: An efficient synthesis of allylic TFMKs is reported, with good overall yield, regiospecificity and diastereoselectivity. These compounds are good inhibitors of the pheromone in electrophysiology, wind tunnel and field tests. The results show the importance of two unsaturations at positions 2 and 13 of the trifluoroacyl group in the structure of the analogues, the latter being critical for inhibitory activity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Inhibition of pheromone action in Sesamia nonagrioides by Haloacetate analogues

The electrophysiological activity of some halogenated analogues of the major component of the sex pheromone of the corn stalk borer Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. (1) is presented. The analogues comprise a series of fluoro-, chloro- and bromoacetate analogues 4 – 10 as well as trifluoromethyl ketone 11. The fluoro derivatives 4 – 6 displayed remarkable electro-antennogram (EAG) intrinsic activities in comparison with the parent acetate 1, while the remaining analogues elicited significantly lower response. The compounds have also been tested as inhibitors of the sex pheromone perception in EAG and in the field. In the laboratory. fluoro analogues 4 – 6 were better inhibitors than chloro derivatives 7 – 9 , which in turn behaved similarly to the bromoacetate 10 . Trifluoromethyl ketone 11, however, was a poor inhibitor of the pheromone action. In the field, baits of mixtures of compounds 5 – 11 with the corn stalk borer pheromone in 10 :1 ratio inhibited the concomitant attraction of the clover cutworm moth Scotogramma irifolii Rott., while the difluoro analogue 5, trichloroacetate 9 and trifluoromethyl ketone 11 also diminished the number of catches of the armyworm Mythimna unipuncta Haw. The monofluoroacetate 4. trifluoro analogue 6 and bromo derivative 10 significantly disrupted the pheromone action of the corn borer, whereas trifluoromethyl ketone 11 synergistically increased the number of males attracted to the pheromone trap alone. Addition of 11 to baits containing the corn borer pheromone caught S. nonagrioides selectively with regard to the other habitat-sharing species M. unipuncta and S. trifolii.     

Disruption of mating in codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) by chlorantranilipole, an anthranilic diamide insecticide

The influence of the anthranilic diamide insecticide chlorantranilipole (DPX-E2Y45; Rynaxypyr against the adult stage of codling moth, Cydia pomonella L., was examined. Insecticide residues in plastic cups sprayed with 56 mg AI L(-1) (equivalent to the recommended field rate) had a minimal effect on adult survival or fecundity, but significantly fewer female moths were mated in treated than in untreated cups. Similar results were found in field studies with adults placed in screened cages on treated apple foliage for up to 3 weeks. Mating was disrupted when either sex was topically dosed with technical material (0.01-0.1 microg). Males were more sensitive to the disruptive effects of chlorantranilipole than females. A 2 h exposure significantly reduced male activity (walking and wing fanning), but not female calling. A 25 h exposure significantly reduced the activity of both sexes. The proportion of males landing near a sex pheromone source in a flight tunnel was significantly reduced following exposures of 2-4 h and completely eliminated following a 17 h exposure. Male moths partially recovered from either topical or residual exposure to chlorantranilipole, but the extent of their recovery was dose and time dependent. Male response to sex pheromone recovered within 2 h following a 4 h exposure, but following a 17 h exposure only a partial recovery occurred after 48 h. Mating by moth pairs exposed to chlorantranilipole residues for 24 h did not significantly increase during recovery periods of 24-96 h, except in cups treated with 10% of the standard concentration. The proportion of field-collected female codling moths caught in pear ester-baited traps that were mated was significantly lower in apple orchards treated season-long with chlorantranilipole compared with females caught in either untreated orchards or those treated with sex pheromones to cause mating disruption.     

Sex pheromone traps for detecting and monitoring the raisin moth,cadra figulilella,in date palm plantations

Field tests were carried out to determine whether pheromone traps, baited with (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9,E12-14:Ac) impregnated in rubber septa (Maavit, Israel), could provide a reliable tool for monitoring the raisin moth,Cadra figulilella (Gregson), in date palm plantations. No significant differences were detected between captures of males in traps baited with 1 or 10 mg pheromone/dispenser. However, traps baited with 1 mg pheromone captured significantly more males than those baited with 0.1 mg pheromone/dispenser. No differences were found between captures of males in traps hung at a height of 8 m (near the bunches) or 2–3 m (on palm trunks). Two peaks of male capture were detected, one in May-June and the other during September-October (ripening period). Results indicate a positive relationship between captures in traps and infestation levels by larvae. Pheromone traps baited with 1 mg Z9,E12–14:Ac impregnated in rubber septa and hung on palm trunks (at a height of 2–3 m), were very useful for monitoringC. figulilella populations and for determining the accurate timing of insecticide applications.     

Effects of pheromone loading, dispenser age, and trap height on pheromone trap catches of the oriental fruit moth in apple orchards

The effects of field aging (0–28 days) and pheromone loading rate on the longevity of red rubber septa loaded with the sex pheromone blend of the oriental fruit mothGrapholita molesta (Busck), were evaluated in North Carolina apple orchards in 2002. Separate field tests examined the influence of trap height and pheromone loading rate of rubber septa on trap catches of adultG. molesta males in an abandoned orchard. The loss of the major pheromone component, (Z)-8-dodecenyl acetate (Z8–12:OAc), from red rubber septa over a 4-week period exhibited a relatively constant release rate with 30, 100 and 300 μg pheromone. Trap catch was significantly higher in pheromone traps placed in the upper canopy than in those in the lower canopy. Pheromone traps baited with 100μg lures caught more moths compared with those loaded with 300 μg. There was no apparent relationship between pheromone trap catch and septa age, with trap catch appearing to be primarily a function ofG. molesta population density. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting May 14, 2006.     

Attraction of Chrysoperla carnea complex and Chrysopa spp. lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to aphid sex pheromone components and a synthetic blend of floral compounds in Hungary

BACKGROUND: The deployment of synthetic attractants for the manipulation of lacewing populations as aphid predators is currently used in integrated pest management. This study investigates a synthetic bait comprising floral compounds previously found to attract the Chrysoperla carnea complex, and, for the first time, the aphid sex pheromone components (1R,4aS,7S,7aR)‐nepetalactol and (4aS,7S,7aR)‐nepetalactone, in field experiments in Hungary, for their ability to manipulate lacewing populations. RESULTS: The synthetic floral bait attracted both sexes of the Chrysoperla carnea complex, and Chrysopa formosa Brauer showed minimal attraction. The aphid sex pheromone compounds alone attracted males of C. formosa and C. pallens (Rambur). When the two baits were combined, Chrysopa catches were similar to those with aphid sex pheromone baits alone, but carnea complex catches decreased significantly (by 85–88%). CONCLUSION: As the floral bait alone attracted both sexes of the carnea complex, it showed potential to manipulate the location of larval density via altering the site of oviposition. Aphid sex pheromone compounds alone attracted predatory males of Chrysopa spp. and can potentially be used to enhance biological control of aphids. For the carnea complex, however, a combination of both baits is not advantageous because of the decrease in adults attracted. Assumptions of intraguild avoidance underlying this phenomenon are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Floral attractants for the female soybean looper, Thysanoplusia orichalcea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

BACKGROUND: The soybean looper, Thysanoplusia orichalcea (F.), is a polyphagous insect pest of vegetable crops. Indonesian in origin, it has spread to Europe, India, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The identification of an attractant for female T. orichalcea could enable the development of alternative pest management strategies to those provided by insecticides or sex pheromones, which are often only attractive to males. RESULTS: Traps baited with synthetic lures derived from Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop., floral volatiles attracted female T. orichalcea. Phenylacetaldehyde, a floral compound attractive to many Lepidoptera and present in C. arvense, was tested alone as an attractant for the soybean looper and caught significantly more female than male T. orichalcea. Trap catch was greatest when phenylacetaldehyde was combined with five prevalent volatiles present in C. arvense headspace collections: 2‐phenylethyl alcohol, methyl salicylate, dimethyl salicylate, benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol. Twice as many female moths as males were collected. CONCLUSION: Successful trapping of female T. orichalcea in either a lure‐and‐kill or a mass trapping system may offer an effective way to manage its population size. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry