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Development of Synthetic Food-Related Attractant for Carpophilus davidsoni and its Effectiveness in the Stone Fruit Orchards in Southern Australia

Journal of Chemical Ecology volume 32, pages 2145–2162 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

An effective synthetic attractant, based on host-related volatile compounds, was developed for the nitidulid beetle, Carpophilus davidsoni, as part of a program for managing this pest in Australian peach orchards. Fermenting peach juice and whole peaches and nectarines served as chemical models for the attractant, and synthetic formulations were sought that matched the natural sources, both with respect to emission rates of key chemicals (in ng/min) and attractiveness to flying beetles. All volatile sources were kept in airstreams during laboratory chemical measurements, and these airstreams were subsequently directed to the wind-tunnel behavioral assay, allowing the determined emission rates of compounds to be associated with particular levels of attractiveness. Chemical sampling of airstreams was by solid-phase microextraction, and analysis was by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. A volatile delivery system was coupled to the wind tunnel and allowed facile manipulation of natural and synthetic scents. The final blend, modeled after fermenting peach juice, contained ethanol as the main constituent and 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate as minor constituents, all in water solution. Blend components were synergistic, and use of a mixture was essential for optimal attractiveness. The synthetic blend was highly effective in the field and is intended to replace fermenting peach juice and overripe peaches, which were previously used as synergists of the Carpophilus spp. aggregation pheromones in attract-and-kill stations.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Sorn Norng for some statistical analyses and Robert Bennet for technical assistance. We also thank Mamun Hossain and David Williams for constructive review of the manuscript and Horticulture Australia, Ltd., and the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria, for providing the financial support for the field portion of this work.

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Affiliations

  1. USDA-ARS National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL, 61604, USA

    Robert J. Bartelt

  2. Department of Primary Industries, Primary Industries Research Victoria, Tatura Centre, Private Bag 1, Tatura, Victoria, 3616, Australia

    Mofakhar S. Hossain

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  1. Robert J. Bartelt
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  2. Mofakhar S. Hossain
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Correspondence to Robert J. Bartelt.

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Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Bartelt, R.J., Hossain, M.S. Development of Synthetic Food-Related Attractant for Carpophilus davidsoni and its Effectiveness in the Stone Fruit Orchards in Southern Australia. J Chem Ecol 32, 2145–2162 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-006-9135-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-006-9135-7

Keywords

  • Nitidulidae
  • Carpophilus davidsoni
  • Attractant
  • Wind tunnel
  • SPME
  • Host volatiles
  • Field test
  • Peach
  • Fermenting peach juice
  • Synthetic blend