Acoustic signal applications in detection and managment of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus spp. in fruit-crops and ornamental palms

Authors: JALINAS, JOHARI - University Of Kebangsaan; GUERRI-AGULLO, BERENICE - Universidad De Alicante; DOSUNMU, OMOTOLA - University Of Florida; HASEEB, MUHAMMED - Florida A & M University; LOPEZ LLORCA, L.V. - Universidad De Alicante; Mankin, Richard

Submitted to: Florida Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/21/2018
Publication Date: 9/30/2019
Citation: Jalinas, J., Guerri-Agullo, B., Dosunmu, O.G., Haseeb, M., Lopez Llorca, L., Mankin, R.W. 2019. Acoustic signal applications in detection and managment of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus spp. in fruit-crops and ornamental palms. Florida Entomologist. 102(3):475-479. https://doi.org/10.1653/024.102.0303.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1653/024.102.0303

Interpretive Summary: Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) is an internally feeding pest of palms in many subtropical regions. A related species, R. cruentatus (Fabricius), is an internally feeding pest in the southeastern US. Because they feed inside the trunk, the damage caused by larvae of both species often remains unnoticed until irreparable damage is caused. Early detection is important for managing and reducing the spread of both pests. Acoustic activity of early instars of both species have been monitored and have been found to rise and fall in a cyclical pattern, suggesting that it decreases during molting periods. We report here on typical temporal patterns and consider implications for early detection of infestations in field environments. Two holes were drilled into opposite sides of 36 small Canary Island date palms into which 15-d-old R. ferrugineus were inserted. Three holes were drilled into 10 Sabal palm fronds, into which neonate R. cruentatus were inserted. An insect acoustic detection system was used to record R. ferrugineus signals onto a digital recorder for 180 s periods on multiple days over a 30 d period in a greenhouse in Alicante, Spain. A similar system was used to record R. cruentatus signals for 120 s periods on multiple days over a 56 d period in laboratory and urban environments in Tallahassee, FL. Digital signal analyses were used to monitor the rates of insect sound bursts. The effects of cyclical activity patterns on early instar detectability are discussed in relation to management of both pests.

Technical Abstract: Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) is an internally feeding pest of palms in many subtropical regions. A related species, R. cruentatus (Fabricius), is an internally feeding pest in the southeastern US. Because they feed inside the trunk, the damage caused by larvae of both species often remains unnoticed until irreparable damage is caused. Early detection is important for managing and reducing the spread of both pests. Acoustic activity of early instars of both species have been monitored and have been found to rise and fall in a cyclical pattern, suggesting that it decreases during molting periods. We report here on typical temporal patterns and consider implications for early detection of infestations in field environments. Two holes were drilled into opposite sides of 36 small Canary Island date palms into which 15-d-old R. ferrugineus were inserted. Three holes were drilled into 10 Sabal palm fronds, into which neonate R. cruentatus were inserted. An insect acoustic detection system was used to record R. ferrugineus signals onto a digital recorder for 180 s periods on multiple days over a 30 d period in a greenhouse in Alicante, Spain. A similar system was used to record R. cruentatus signals for 120 s periods on multiple days over a 56 d period in laboratory and urban environments in Tallahassee, FL. Digital signal analyses were used to monitor the rates of insect sound bursts. The effects of cyclical activity patterns on early instar detectability are discussed in relation to management of both pests.