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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #328180
Research Project: Methyl Bromide Replacement: Mitigation of the Invasive Pest Threat from the American Tropics and Subtropics

Location: Subtropical Horticulture Research

Title: Development of a kairomone-based monitoring tool for the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle

Author
item NIOGRET, JEROME - Mars, Inc
item Kendra, Paul
item Montgomery, Wayne
item Epsky, Nancy

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/21/2016
Publication Date: 8/22/2016
Citation: Niogret, J., Kendra, P.E., Montgomery, W.S., Epsky, N.D. 2016. Development of a kairomone-based monitoring tool for the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle. Meeting Abstract. 252nd National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Phildelphia, PA 21-25 Aug, 2016.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff, is an exotic wood-borer that vectors the fungal agent responsible for laurel wilt. This disease has had severe impact on forest ecosystems, and has spread to eight states in the southeastern US since the first detection of the beetle in Georgia in 2002. The disease is killing a large proportion of native Persea trees, and currently poses an economic threat to avocado production in Florida. To control the spread of this lethal disease, effective attractants are needed for early detection of the vector. By comparing beetle ecology and its host plant preferences to the volatile chemical profiles emitted from the plants, we were able to confirm the importance of sesquiterpene compounds for host location by dispersing females. Based on this information, we were able to develop a better kairomone-based lure, now available for more sensitive detection of redbay ambrosia beetle.