Field-level optimization of adult Melanotus communis (Coleoptera: Elateridae) sex pheromone, 13-tetradecenyl acetate

Authors: SCHOEPNNER, EMMA - North Carolina State University; HUSETH, ANDERS - North Carolina State University; Williams, Livy; MILLAR, JOCELYN - University Of California, Riverside; DOUGHTY, HELENE - Virginia Tech; KUHAR, THOMAS - Virginia Tech; CHERRY, RON - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Entomological Society of America, Southwestern and Southeastern Branch
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/27/2023
Publication Date: 3/12/2023
Citation: Schoepnner, E., Huseth, A., Williams Iii, L.H., Millar, J., Doughty, H., Kuhar, T., Cherry, R. 2023. Field-level optimization of adult Melanotus communis (Coleoptera: Elateridae) sex pheromone, 13-tetradecenyl acetate. Entomological Society of America, Southwestern and Southeastern Branch.

Interpretive Summary: Abstract only.

Technical Abstract: Melanotus communis Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Elateridae) larvae are highly polyphagous, semivoltine wireworm pests of major southeastern US crops. This cryptic pest is particularly challenging for growers due to lack of effective monitoring strategies. Previous work on field-level abundance of M. communis has utilized soil larval baits but these baits are not efficient in capturing spatially aggregated larvae for population estimation so timing effective insecticide interventions or crop rotations is difficult. A recently developed, highly effective M. communis sex pheromone lure, 13-tetradecenyl acetate, provides an opportunity to improve monitoring strategies for this pest. We propose to build on previous trap optimization work to investigate field-level optimization of this pheromone lure to better understand its usefulness for population estimation. Aerially dispersed adults may be captured in higher numbers than larvae in soil traps due to active dispersal toward the pheromone. Higher trap counts could provide a more refined understanding of environmental factors driving population dynamics. Our optimization study included two objectives: 1) compare captures between in-ground pitfall traps, on-ground pitfalls, elevated pitfalls, or elevated sticky cards; and 2) test temporal lure viability by aging the lures outdoors at 8, 6, 4, 2, and 0 week intervals prior to trap deployment in the field. Experiments were replicated in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida during the 2021 and 2022 field seasons. Information gained from this study will aid in the development of effective IPM strategies that could reduce reliance on wide-scale prophylactic chemical controls that are currently necessary for adequate crop protection.