Responses of the two-spotted oak buprestid,Agrilus biguttatus(Coleoptera: Buprestidae), to host tree volatiles

Vuts, J., Woodcock, C. M., Sumner, M. E., Caulfield, J. C., Reed, K., Inward, D.J.G., Leather, S.R., Pickett, J.A., Birkett, M.A. and Denman, S. (2016) Responses of the two-spotted oak buprestid,Agrilus biguttatus(Coleoptera: Buprestidae), to host tree volatiles. Pest Management Science, 72 (4). pp. 845-851.

[img]
Preview
Text
Simon leather Responses of the two-spotted upload.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (460kB) | Preview

Abstract

BACKGROUND Agrilus bigutattus (Fabricius) is a forest pest of increasing importance in the United Kingdom. The larvae damage weakened native oaks and are thought to contribute to premature tree death. Suspected links with acute oak decline (AOD) are not yet confirmed, but AOD-predisposed trees appear to become more susceptible to A. biguttatus attack. Thus, management may be necessary for control of this insect. To explore the possibility of monitoring beetle populations by baited traps, the host tree volatiles regulating A. biguttatus–oak interactions were studied. RESULTS Biologically active volatile organic compounds in dynamic headspace extracts of oak foliage and bark were identified initially by coupled gas chromatography–electroantennography (GC-EAG) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the structures were confirmed by GC coinjection with authentic compounds. Of two synthetic blends of these compounds comprising the active leaf volatiles, the simpler one containing three components evoked strongly positive behavioural responses in four-arm olfactometer tests with virgin females and males, although fresh leaf material was more efficient than the blend. The other blend, comprising a five-component mixture made up of bark volatiles, proved to be as behaviourally active for gravid females as bark tissue. CONCLUSIONS These initial results on A. biguttatus chemical ecology reveal aspects of the role of attractive tree volatiles in the host-finding of beetles and underpin the development of semiochemically based surveillance strategies for this forest insect.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: agrilus biguttatus, attractant, tree volatiles, acute oak decline, forestry, semiochemical, buprestidae
Divisions: Crop and Environment Sciences (to 31.07.20)
Depositing User: Ms Kath Osborn
Date Deposited: 07 Jun 2016 13:01
Last Modified: 23 Jan 2018 12:11
URI: https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/9253

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item