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Ethanol and (−)-α-Pinene: Attractant Kairomones for Bark and Ambrosia Beetles in the Southeastern US

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Abstract

In 2002–2004, we examined the flight responses of 49 species of native and exotic bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae and Platypodidae) to traps baited with ethanol and/or (−)-α-pinene in the southeastern US. Eight field trials were conducted in mature pine stands in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Funnel traps baited with ethanol lures (release rate, about 0.6 g/day at 25–28°C) were attractive to ten species of ambrosia beetles (Ambrosiodmus tachygraphus, Anisandrus sayi, Dryoxylon onoharaensum, Monarthrum mali, Xyleborinus saxesenii, Xyleborus affinis, Xyleborus ferrugineus, Xylosandrus compactus, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, and Xylosandrus germanus) and two species of bark beetles (Cryptocarenus heveae and Hypothenemus sp.). Traps baited with (−)-α-pinene lures (release rate, 2–6 g/day at 25–28°C) were attractive to five bark beetle species (Dendroctonus terebrans, Hylastes porculus, Hylastes salebrosus, Hylastes tenuis, and Ips grandicollis) and one platypodid ambrosia beetle species (Myoplatypus flavicornis). Ethanol enhanced responses of some species (Xyleborus pubescens, H. porculus, H. salebrosus, H. tenuis, and Pityophthorus cariniceps) to traps baited with (−)-α-pinene in some locations. (−)-α-Pinene interrupted the response of some ambrosia beetle species to traps baited with ethanol, but only the response of D. onoharaensum was interrupted consistently at most locations. Of 23 species of ambrosia beetles captured in our field trials, nine were exotic and accounted for 70–97% of total catches of ambrosia beetles. Our results provide support for the continued use of separate traps baited with ethanol alone and ethanol with (−)-α-pinene to detect and monitor common bark and ambrosia beetles from the southeastern region of the US.

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Acknowledgments

We thank R. G. Kelsey, Assoc. Editor S. J. Seybold, B. T. Sullivan, and two anonymous referees for reviews of the manuscript; C. M. Crowe, C. Asaro, D. Johnson, and R. Brantley for field and laboratory assistance; D. E. Bright for identifications of Pityophthorus species; and the staffs at the Apalachicola, Bankhead, Nantahala, Ocala, Oconee, Osceola, and Sumter National Forests and Blue Valley Experimental Forest for assistance and permission to conduct these studies on their respective lands. The use of trade names and identification of firms or corporations does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the US Government of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. Funding for this research was provided by the USDA Forest Service. The USDA is an equal-opportunity provider and employer.

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  1. USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 320 Green Street, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Daniel R. Miller

  2. USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Protection, 1601 North Kent Street, RPC7, Arlington, VA, 22209, USA

    Robert J. Rabaglia

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Miller, D.R., Rabaglia, R.J. Ethanol and (−)-α-Pinene: Attractant Kairomones for Bark and Ambrosia Beetles in the Southeastern US. J Chem Ecol 35, 435–448 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-009-9613-9

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