ARS | Publication request: MONITORING THE AMBROSIA BEETLE COMPLEX IN ORNAMENTAL NURSERIES IN OHIO, TENNESSEE, AND VIRGINIA: INFLUENCE OF TRAP HEIGHT

Submitted to: National Meeting of Entomological Society Of America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 12, 2007
Publication Date: December 12, 2007
Citation: Reding, M.E., Oliver, J., Schultz, P. MONITORING THE AMBROSIA BEETLE COMPLEX IN ORNAMENTAL NURSERIES IN OHIO, TENNESSEE, AND VIRGINIA: INFLUENCE OF TRAP HEIGHT. National Meeting of Entomological Society Of America. Available: http://esa.confex.com/esa/2007/techprogram/paper_29743.htm.

Technical Abstract: Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae Scolytinae) are becoming increasing problems in ornamental tree nurseries. Xylosandrus crassiusculus has become especially worrisome to southeastern and Atlantic states. This species tends to attack healthy trees often killing their host. Management of these pests has been problematic because timing insecticide treatments has been difficult. Development of a reliable monitoring system would help mitigate accurate timing of insecticides treatments to control ambrosia beetles in nurseries. We tested traps as monitoring systems by evaluating the influence of trap height on captures of ambrosia beetles in ornamental nurseries. Traps were deployed at three heights (0.5, 1.7, and 3.0 m) in nurseries in Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. X. crassiusculus was the most common species trapped in Tennessee and Virginia. However, it was not captured in Ohio, where Xylosandrus germanus was the most common species. Most of the X. germanus (about 80% on average) were captured in the lowest traps (0.5 m), while there was generally no significant influence of trap height on captures of X. crassiusculus. However, there was trend toward similar and slightly higher captures in the low and middle height traps (0.5 and 1.7 m) compared to the highest traps (3.0 m). These data show that the height of trap placement is important for development of an efficient monitoring system for ambrosia beetles. In addition, the most effective trap height is dependent on the species of ambrosia beetle being monitored.