Biological Control of the Larger Grain Borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Biological control was first considered shortly after the accidental introduction of Prostephanus truncatus in Africa in the early 1980's. This article reviews first the history of the biological control efforts with a focus on the results and recommendations of the initial international meetings and foreign exploration projects, followed by a discussion of the more important biocontrol agents, in particular the histerid Teretrius nigrescens. Since the release of T. nigrescens in Africa a number of techniques have been employed by different research groups to measure the effect of the natural enemy on P. truncatus, including pheromone trapping, field experiments, gut analysis grain store surveys, simulation modelling, and statistical and economic analysis the conclusions of these various studies have been largely equivocal, and the results of studies with recent data suggest that uncertainty is growing. Further resources and time are needed both for a proper evaluation and for the further development of control strategies compatible with biological control.     

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     

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.     

Larger Grain Borer in Africa; A History of Efforts to Limit its Impact

The story of Prostephanus truncatus in Africa is described from its original outbreak in Tanzania in the late 1970s to the present day. Information is given on the differing control methods put in place by infested countries and how co-ordination of local programmes and inputs from technical assistance agencies was approached by an agencies. The influence of changes in development thinking on the management of storage pests is considered. The current status of P. truncatus is addressed, inlcuding its impact on the international maize trade, particularly that provided for famine relief. The introduction of Teretrius nigrescens as a biological control agent is described. We also provide some milestones in efforts to manage the pest, describe the effectiveness of pest management in terms of cost benefit and suggest some new avenues that may lead to a sustainable reductioning in P. truncatus in Africa.     

Detection and Monitoring of Larger Grain Borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Methods for detecting and for monitoring Prostephanus truncatus(Horn) are crucial components in phyto- sanitary control, research programmes and pest management against this beetle. P. truncatus is unusual in that its populations are distributed widely between natural habitats and stores holding maize grain and dried cassava roots, which necessitates a similarly wide range of sampling methodologies. This review considers successful and unsuccessful approaches to sampling the pest populations in both stores and the natural environment and concludes with a consideration of how monitoring could contribute to integrated pest management for P. truncatus.     

Formulation of vegetable fat pellets with pheromone and Beauveria bassiana to control the larger grain borer,Prostephanus truncatus (Horn)

The use of hydrogenated rapeseed oil as a carrier for conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals) Vuill was investigated as part of a research programme on the control of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn). Melting the oil, which is solid at temperatures below 32 °C, allows the incorporation of materials such as aggregation pheromones and conidia; sudden cooling produces solid fat pellets. In attraction tests conducted with pellets containing P truncatus aggregation pheromone, significantly higher numbers of beetles were attracted to pellets containing pheromone at a concentration of 4 ml litre⁻¹ compared to control pellets for at least four weeks when held in Petri dishes in the laboratory and for at least six weeks when pellets held in insect traps were exposed to outside conditions. The attraction was retained over a period of storage in glass bottles; pellets stored in the freezer or incubator (at −10 °C or 27 °C) attracted beetles according to the pheromone level for the duration of the work (14 and 13 months respectively). When pheromones and conidia were incorporated into the same pellets they could be stored in a freezer or refrigerator retaining over 80% viability after 51 weeks; those stored in an incubator at 27 °C showed significantly lower germination at 20.7–27.2% after the same time. There was an indication that the pheromone caused a slight reduction in the viability of conidia, although this may have been just a slight delay in the speed of germination. Rapid dose transfer from pellets with conidia with and without the addition of pheromone was demonstrated. Insects were exposed to pellets for 24 hours and 96–100% mortality was observed in treatments containing conidia within six days of exposure. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

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.     

A review of investigations to improve pest managemet of stored maize in smallholder farms in Kenya

A 4-year project in Kenya to develop management strategies for the larger grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus) in smallholder maize stores is described. The entomological investigations included behavioural and ecological studies of pest activity in experimental and farmers' maize stores and the natural environment, the use of insecticides to protect maize stored as grain and cobs and the release of a biological control agent. The latter was a predatory beetle; this marks the first release of a biological control agent against a storage pest in East Africa. The operation of a national trapping network to assess the extent and future spread of the pest and predator and target control campaigns is outlined. Recommendations for the control of the stored product pests, resulting from these investigations, were tested for likely adoption and modification in the light of socioeconomic surveys and a cost-benefit analysis. A decision tree approach to managing stored product pests is suggested which allows extension workers and farmers to decide the necessity of pesticide application when assessing how best to protect stored maize.     

Control of the codling moth (cydia pomonella) in apple and pear orchards in Israel by mating disruption

Control of the codling moth,Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), by pheromone-mediated mating disruption, was studied in Israel using two types of dispensers: Shin-Etsu twist-tie (normal and long-life) and TNO matrix formulation (square wafers). Factors affecting mating disruption: initial pest population density, timing of the pheromone application, early season insecticide treatments and monitoring of the pest, were evaluated. Efficacy of mating disruption was assessed by comparing catch of males in pheromone traps located in pheromone-treated and chemically sprayed control plots. Fruit infestation during the season and at picking time was the major criterion to assess mating disruption. The preferred time for pheromone application was before the first flight of the moth. When pheromones were applied at a later stage, one or two early insecticide sprays had to be used to reduce the initial level of the codling moth population. In all tests, trap catch in pheromone-treated plots was drastically reduced as compared with respective control plots. In pheromone-treated plots where total seasonal trap catch (after pheromone application) was less than 12 males/trap, fruit infestation was less than 1.5%; zero trap catch resulted in 0.1-0.3% infestation. At high population levels, mating disruption was ineffective, with the rate of infestation at picking-time being similar in pheromone-treated and control plots. All the field tests indicated that mating disruption with either Shin-Etsu ropes or TNO squares can control codling moth infestations in apple and pear orchards, at relatively low densities of the pest, as efficiently as commercial insecticide sprays.     

Chemical,Physical and Cultural Control of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prostephanus truncatus</Emphasis>

Since its introduction into Africa 25 years ago, approaches to the management of the larger grain borer at farm level have gone through many changes. This article reviews the literature on chemical and non-chemical protection of maize and cassava after harvest from the perspective of the small-scale farmer during this period. The influence of traditional store design on Prostephanus truncatus and the history of changes in the use of post-harvest chemicals are described. Synthetic and non-synthetic chemicals, host plant resistance, store design, fumigation, plant products, inert dusts and thermal disinfestation all have a role to play. Attention is also given to the ways in which farmers in sub-Saharan Africa coped with the introduction of and damage caused by Prostephanus truncatus. Given the expense, poor distribution and health concerns of the use of synthetic chemicals, emphasis should be placed on the integration of low cost and low impact methods that could provide adequate control of this important post-harvest pest.     

Potential for Nonhost Volatiles as Repellents in Integrated Pest Management of Ambrosia Beetles

Semiochemical-based mass trapping of the striped ambrosia beetle, Trypodendron lineatum (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), has been the cornerstone of an integrated pest management (IPM) programme for ambrosia beetles on the British Columbia coast since 1981. However, there is no available tactic of protecting logs from attack that could be incorporated into the IPM programme. We tested nonhost volatiles (NHVs) from the bark of angiosperm trees for their ability to disrupt catches of T. lineatum in multiple-funnel traps baited with the aggregation pheromone lineatin. In one set of experiments, a blend of 1-hexanol and benzyl alcohol caused 77.9% and 80.0% reduction in captures of males and females, respectively, and in another a blend of methyl salicylate and salicylaldehyde caused reductions of 65.0% for males and 66.9% for females. All four NHVs combined caused reductions in captures for males and females of 82.3% and 81.4%, respectively, not much greater than to the blend of 1-hexanol and benzyl alcohol. However, because both blends were active alone, their redundancy when combined lends confidence to the selection of the four-component blend for operational testing. Although disruption was increased when a 16-component NHV blend was tested, or when (±)–(E)-conophthorin was added to the four-component blend, addition of more compounds to the four-component blend was not considered operationally or economically justifiable. When deployed from low-density polyethylene tubes stapled along the length of pheromone-baited conifer logs, this blend caused prolonged and significant reductions in landing by T. lineatum and also by Gnathotrichus sulcatus (LeConte) and G. retusus (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). However, attacking beetles generally overcame the NHV treatment by the end of the flight period, leading to similar attack densities on treated and control logs. Therefore, we recommend that further operational investigations explore using repellent NHVs in combination with disruptive visual, tactile or gustatory stimuli.     

Optimization of pheromone trapping method for click beetles (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Agriotes</Emphasis> spp.) in Greece

Field studies were performed to survey and monitor Agriotes spp. (Coleoptera: Elateridae) click beetles in Greece. A pitfall type trap made of durable plastic and loaded with pheromone lures for different Agriotes species was employed in field sites in 2006 and 2007. The diversity of Agriotes species in arable crops in central Greece seems to be rather limited. The two species trapped in this study, A. rufipalpis and A. litigiosus, had quite different temporal patterns. In both years A. rufipalpis was captured in high numbers, beginning early in the spring and declining progressively later on. In 2006 but not in 2007, there were A. rufipalpis trap captures in early summer. Trap captures for A. litigiosus remained at low levels in both fields and only in mid-summer was there an increase in the number of adult captures. Pheromone dose had a significant effect in trap captures for both species, whereas old baits and new ones were equally attractive. The simple trap used in the present study loaded with the optimal pheromone and dose would be suitable for surveying and monitoring and even mass trapping of click beetles.     

The Biology of the Larger Grain Borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

After about 25 years of intensive research a substantial moment of information has accumulated on the basic biology of Prostephanus truncatus in stored products. This article reviews the literature on the geographical distribution, biotypes, symbiotic associations, mating and flight behaviour, oviposition, and development on both agricultural and non-agricultural hosts. The current knowledge about the nutritional biology (including the role of symbionts) and host finding behaviour (including the inter-linked roles of plant chemicals and the insect's own pheronones) are highlighted as research areas which deserve future attention. In addition, few studies have been conducted to determine the extent to which the biology of P. truncatus permits it to survive and reproduce in non-agricultural environments. These areas of study should be pursued as possible routes to providing more effective integrated pest managements strategies for the larger grain borer.     

Attraction of Ips typographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) beetles by lure-baited insecticide-treated tripod trap logs and trap trees

The numbers of Ips typographus beetles captured by lure-baited insecticide-treated tripod trap logs (TRIPODs) versus classic trap trees (TRAP TREEs) were compared in a spruce forest in northeastern Czech Republic in the year 2012. During the time of I. typographus flight activity (22 April–24 August), TRAP TREEs were periodically deployed and replaced, while TRIPODs were deployed at the start of flight activity, and lure and insecticide were periodically refreshed. The numbers of I. typographus beetles captured was significantly greater on TRAP TREEs than on TRIPODs during the first sampling period (22 April–25 May) but did not differ between the two kinds of traps in the subsequent sampling periods (26 May–29 June, 30 June–27 July, or 28 July–24 August). More females than males were captured by both kinds of trap. Similarly, more beetles were captured in the spring (April–June) than in the summer (July–August) by both trap models. The main advantages of TRIPODs compared to the TRAP TREEs are twofold: first, that pheromone lures will make any spruce timber attractive to I. typographus; and second, that logs need not be decontaminated at a particular time and, consequently, they require significantly less surveillance.     

Efficiency of pheromone traps for monitoring Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte

Mark–release–recapture trials with male western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) beetles were conducted to better understand capture data of pheromone traps produced in Europe during monitoring programmes. Median recapture rate in maize fields in Hungary, Italy and Switzerland was 10%. Two types of sex pheromone trap (sticky sheet and non‐sticky container traps), placed inside or outside maize fields, showed no differences in efficiency. Logit analyses of recapture data in maize showed that at distances of <1 m fewer than 20% of beetles ended up in the traps. A beetle in a 1 ha maize field would have about a 5% chance of being caught in a trap placed in the centre of the field.     

油松毛虫性信息素监测量与失叶率及虫口密度的相关性分析

为明确性信息素对油松毛虫Dendrolimus tabulaeformis成虫的监测量与不同危害程度林区失叶率及其幼虫虫口密度的关系,采用棋盘式五点取样法,将失叶率、幼虫虫口密度及成虫监测量两两进行模型拟合。结果显示,幼虫低虫口密度(y_1)、高虫口密度(y_2)与对应的成虫监测量(x_1)、(x_2)呈二次方曲线函数,方程分别为y_1=-0.060x_1~2+6.174x_1-85.753;y_2=0.076x_2~2-3.111x_2+109.844;在幼虫极高虫口密度(y_3)时,成虫监测量(x_3)呈线性递减,方程为y_3=-1.795x_3+214.060;幼虫虫口密度(y)、成虫监测量(x)随着失叶率(z)的增加而增高,但当失叶率超过74%时,幼虫虫口密度呈下降趋势,方程为y=-794.937z~2+1188.218z-308.626;当失叶率超过72%时,成虫监测量也出现下降,二者可以按照方程x=-189.035z~2+272.374z-53.474进行模拟。研究表明,幼虫虫口低密度、高密度与成虫监测量的相关性均显著,极高虫口密度时,成虫监测量呈下降趋势;幼虫虫口密度、成虫监测量均与失叶率呈二次方函数关系。     

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.     

青岛地区暗黑鳃金龟性信息素鉴定及田间应用技术

为深入了解国内暗黑鳃金龟Holotrichia parallela Motschulsky种群的性信息素组分及其田间引诱效果,采用气质联用技术对其雌性信息素进行了分离鉴定,利用标记-回捕技术测试了5 h内暗黑鳃金龟的扩散距离,并在此基础上测试了诱捕器颜色、离地高度、密度、单诱芯性信息素含量等对田间诱虫效果的影响。结果表明：L-异亮氨酸甲酯和（R）-（-）-芳樟醇为国内青岛种群暗黑鳃金龟雌虫性信息素的主要组分,两者含量比为7：1;暗黑鳃金龟5 h扩散距离可达400 m以上,平均扩散距离为55.9 m,扩散距离在20~60 m的个体占总虫数的77.5%;黄色诱捕器对该虫的引诱效果显著优于黑色和绿色;诱捕器离地2 m引诱到的试虫数目显著高于1、1.5、2.5和3 m;单个诱芯性信息素含量360 mg引诱效果最好,显著高于180 mg及以下浓度;诱捕器间隔20~60 m防治效果较好,结合使用成本和试虫扩散距离,间距60 m最优。     

The Potential of Semiochemicals for Control of Phorodon humuli (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Field experiments employing yellow water-traps with vials releasing methyl salicylate, butyl isothiocyanate, 4-pentenyl isothiocyanate and diethyltoluamide were conducted during the spring migration of Phorodon humuli (Schrank), with the aim of identifying substances which might be used in the field to deter landing on hop plants. Methyl salicylate and the two isothiocyanates reduced trap catches of P. humuli. During the spring of 1994 a slow-release formulation of methyl salicylate and a β-acid-rich hop resin sprayed on to hop plants did not reduce aphid infestations significantly. In autumn cis,cis-nepetalactol, the main component of P. ‘humuli’s sex pheromone, prepared by various synthetic routes, increased trap catches of males and gynoparae equally. Catches of males in pheromone traps situated in a hop garden decreased with increasing trap height. Catches of males in traps charged with increasing doses of the cis,cis-nepetalactol peaked at 1 mg and then plateaued, whereas catches of gynoparae peaked similarly at 1 mg and then decreased. The effects of kairomones from an extract of the primary host, sex pheromone and a visual cue from yellow compared with clear water-traps were additive. The prospects for developing a semiochemicals-based control strategy against P. humuli, using some or all of the above elements, are discussed.     

Olfactory and visual responses of the longlegged chafer Hoplia spectabilis Medvedev (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Qinghai Province, China

BACKGROUND: Monitoring traps and control methods are needed for the long‐legged chafer, Hoplia spectabilis Medvedev, which has recently reached outbreak numbers in pastureland of Qinghai Province, China. RESULTS: Field trapping experiments, using cross‐pane funnel (barrier) traps, showed that H. spectabilis adults were not significantly attracted to branches of the host plant Dasiphora fructicosa (L.) Rydb. However, beetles were slightly attracted to similar host plant branches infested by conspecific beetles, possibly owing to weakly attractive volatiles, primarily (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, released from beetle‐damaged host leaves. This compound was weakly attractive when released from traps. However, H. spectabilis beetles showed strong visual responses to yellow‐ or white‐painted trap panes, with weaker responses to blue, red or green panes, and least response to black panes. Black traps at 0.2–1.5 m above ground intercepted significantly more beetles than traps at 2.5 m. The mean flight height based on trap catches was 0.88 m (SD = 0.76), yielding an effective flight layer of 1.9 m. Flight response of beetles to colored barrier traps occurred between 10:00 and 18:00, and peaked between 12:00‐14:00, when daily temperatures reached their maximum. CONCLUSION: Unbaited yellow or white cross‐pane funnel traps are recommended for both monitoring and mass‐trapping programs against this economically and ecologically important scarab beetle. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry