Author
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Klein, Michael |
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Lacey, Lawrence |
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Submitted to: Society of Invertebrate Pathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/31/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Adult rhinoceros beetles and cockchafers have been used to transport virus and fungal pathogens to breeding sites for subsequent larval control. Autodissemination may also be effective against the Japanese beetle (JB), Popillia japonica in situations where larval habitats are inaccessible such as the current infestation on Terceira Island, Azores. Trapping systems with strong attractants for both male and female beetles are commercially available. We have fabricated an inoculation chamber which fits between the Standard Trece Catch Can JB Trap top and its holding canister. Beetles which are attracted to the trap fall through a hole in the inoculation chamber and land on a screen mesh. A funnel and canister attachment from a metal Ellisco JB Trap was secured beneath a hole in the floor at the opposite end of the inoculation chamber. A 10 cm section in the middle of the box between the entrance hole in the roof and the exit hole in the floor, allows space for a dish containing the inoculum to be placed into the chamber through a door in the side of the unit. The trap has been tested with Metarhizium anisopliae as the insect pathogen. A 2.5-5:1 mixture of bran and M. anisopliae conidia were placed in the inoculation chamber. Beetles emerging from the autodissemination device in the field were captured and returned to the laboratory where the presence of conidia and the ultimate mortality to adult beetles from the fungus were confirmed. |
