Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

03 Jul, 06 AM - 03 Jul, 07 AM

INTRODUCTION-The proposed research is an experiment to test the attractiveness of candidate pheromones of longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae). Previous research has indicated that longhorned beetles of different species use pheromones of similar molecular structure. We have produced a variety of isomers on this basic structural theme that we predict are pheromones of different species, but we do not yet know which isomers are used by which species. We are conducting this study in various areas of southern California to test the attractiveness of the candidate pheromones, including many types of habitats to maximize the diversity of beetle communities. We will also use these pheromones to determine aspects of the natural and life histories of our target cerambycid species (e.g. seasonal and daily phenologies). The results from this project will greatly expand our knowledge of chemical signaling in this family, the diversity of chemicals involved, and will provide a solid foundation for future semiochemical research. Identification of pheromones of longhorned beetles will be invaluable in developing management strategies for invasive cerambycid species worldwide. In addition, our survey will provide a valuable assessment of the species diversity of longhorned beetles in the study area because pheromones can be very effective in detecting species that are rarely collected. OBJECTIVE - The objective of the research is to test the attractiveness of a variety of different types of chemicals that are candidate pheromones of longhorned beetles and to determine the daily phenology of cerambycid beetles that respond to candidate pheromones. METHODS - The experimental design involves placing a transect of 16 flight intercept traps 5 meters apart. Traps are black plastic, ~15? long, and will be hung on supports made of PVC pipe that will be held up by 4? piece of 1/2? rebar pounded ~1? into the ground or suspended from tree branches. A pheromone emitter will be attached to each trap and will be treated with a candidate pheromone or solvent controls. Beetles flying to traps will fall into a container at the bottom of the trap. Some traps are equipped with a timer and motor that rotates the collection basins at set times. These collection basins will be filled with ethanol to collect all insects that are attracted to the traps, including both longhorned beetles and their predators and parasitoids. I will be coming out to take down the traps that I set that are not catching anything other than little angry birds.

Visit #22038 @Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

Approved

Under Project # 21865 | Research

Testing attractiveness of candidate pheromones of longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

research_scientist - University of California, Riverside

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Annie Ray Jul 3, 2010 (1 days)
Annie Ray Jul 3, 2010 (1 days)

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Day use 2 Jul 3 (1 hours)