Chemical ecology and lure development for redbay ambrosia beetle

Authors: OWENS, DAVID - Orise Fellow; Kendra, Paul; Montgomery, Wayne; NIOGRET, JEROME - Mars, Inc; Schnell, Elena; Narvaez, Teresa; CARRILLO, DANIEL - University Of Florida; Epsky, Nancy

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/11/2016
Publication Date: 11/3/2016
Citation: Owen, D.C., Kendra, P.E., Montgomery, W.S., Niogret, J., Schnell, E.Q., Narvaez, T.I. 2016. Chemical ecology and lure development for redbay ambrosia beetle. UF/IFAS Avocado Laurel Wilt Summit. Homestead, FL 3-4 Nov 2016.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The exotic redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff, has become a serious invasive pest in the U.S., currently established in nine southeastern states. Female beetles are the primary vectors of a pathogenic fungus (Raffaelea lauricola) that causes laurel wilt. This lethal vascular disease has decimated native redbay and swampbay forests along the Atlantic Coastal Plain, and now has reached commercial avocado groves in Miami-Dade County, Florida. With continued spread, laurel wilt may threaten the avocado industries in California and Mexico as well. This presentation summarizes research conducted by ARS Miami, FL to (1) understand the chemical ecology of X. glabratus, and (2) apply that information for development of field lures for early pest detection. Comparative studies of 9 species within the family Lauraceae, coupled with fractional distillation of cubeb oil, identified (-)-a-copaene as the primary kairomone used by females for host location. This finding led to development of an essential oil lure enriched to contain 50% a-copaene, which is the most effective lure currently available for X. glabratus. Information will also be presented on recent improvements in lures for Euwallacea nr. fornicatus, another ambrosia beetle pest new to avocado groves in Florida.