The use of semiochemicals for attracting and repelling invasive ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) forests
November 6, 2023
- Early detection of invasive species is critical for preventing ecological and economic damage and maintaining ecosystem health. In Hawaiʻi, a complex of generalist ambrosia beetle species in the tribe Xyleborini (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) are threatening the health and productivity of forests and crops due to their association with tree diseases such as rapid ʻōhiʻa death (ROD) and key agricultural commodities including coffee and macadamia.
- We conducted trapping experiments to determine the efficacy of semiochemicals to attract and repel Xyleborini ambrosia beetles within two ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) forests on the Island of Hawaiʻi. We compared the attraction of beetles to 100% ethanol and a 1:1 mixture of ethanol: methanol at Waiākea Forest Reserve and ʻŌlaʻa Forest in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. In addition, we tested the extent to which verbenone and verbenone + methyl salicylate repellents (SPLAT® Verb and SPLAT® Beetle Guard, respectively) deterred beetles from baited traps at Waiākea Forest Reserve in two separate experiments.
- For all invasive ambrosia beetle species, including Xyleborinus saxesenii, Xyleborus affinis, Xyleborus ferrugineus, Xyleborus perforans, Xylosandrus compactus, and Xylosandrus crassiusculus, more beetles were captured in traps baited with 100% ethanol than 1:1 ethanol: methanol. Across all species, both repellents were effective, with fewer beetles captured in traps equipped with repellents.
- Our research demonstrates the utility of semiochemicals for attracting and repelling invasive ambrosia beetle species in Hawaiʻi, and the potential use of these tools for early detection and management strategies.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Title | The use of semiochemicals for attracting and repelling invasive ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) forests |
| DOI | 10.1111/afe.12606 |
| Authors | Kylle Roy, Helen R. Sofaer, Robert W. Peck, Ellen Dunkle, Dan Mikros, Sheri L. Smith, Matthew D. Ginzel |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Agricultural and Forest Entomology |
| Index ID | 70254201 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center |
Related Content
Hawaiʻi Ambrosia Beetle Trap Lures and Repellents 2020-2021
This data release includes data and metadata containing (1) ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) trapping data using two different lures at Waiākea Forest Reserve and ʻŌlaʻa Forest of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, (2) ambrosia beetle trapping data using paired lures and repellents from two trials conducted at Waiākea Forest Reserve, and (3) the localities of all traps used in both trappi
Related Content
Hawaiʻi Ambrosia Beetle Trap Lures and Repellents 2020-2021
This data release includes data and metadata containing (1) ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) trapping data using two different lures at Waiākea Forest Reserve and ʻŌlaʻa Forest of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, (2) ambrosia beetle trapping data using paired lures and repellents from two trials conducted at Waiākea Forest Reserve, and (3) the localities of all traps used in both trappi