ARS | Publication request: LEAF BEETLES OF THE GENUS DIORHABDA (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE): STUDYING HIGHLY VOLATILE BLENDS OF SEMIOCHEMICALS

Submitted to: International Society of Chemical Ecology Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: July 27, 2005
Publication Date: July 22, 2005
Citation: Cosse, A.A., Bartelt, R.J., Zilkowski, B.W., Bean, D.W. 2005. Leaf beetles of the genus Diorhabda (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Studying highly volatile blends of semiochemicals [abstract]. International Society of Chemical Ecology Meeting. p. 38.

Technical Abstract: The leaf beetle Diorhabda elongata Brullé (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a newly released biological control agent for saltcedar, Tamarix sp., an exotic, invasive weedy tree in the Western U.S. The recently identified male-produced pheromone components, (2E,4Z)-2,4-heptadienal and (2E,4Z)-2,4-heptadien-1-ol, and the synergistic saltcedar "green leaf" volatiles are highly attractive to males and females in the field. These semiochemicals could be useful for studying various key population attributes of newly released Diorhabda populations/species. Different day-length adapted Diorhabda populations imported from Asia and Europe show differences in pheromone blend ratios and are deployed in habitats with various Tamarix species. An electrophysiological dose-response study has been developed based on released pheromone and plant materials, to predict possible attractive field blends. The results of this study are used to help in the formulation of better field attractants.