Electrophysiological responses and field attraction of the grey corn weevil, Tanymecus (Episomecus) dilaticollis Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to synthetic plant volatiles

Abstract

The grey corn weevil, Tanymecus (Episomecus) dilaticollis, is an economically important polyphagous pest in Eastern and Central Europe. The present research is the first published electrophysiological study of olfactory sensitivity of adult T. dilaticollis to plant volatiles. The electrophysiological responses of male and female antennae were recorded to 20 synthetic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), previously identified to be released from the preferred host plants, maize and sunflower. Antennae of both sexes responded to a wide range of volatiles from different chemical classes: fatty acid derivatives, aromatic compounds and terpenoids. Two green leaf volatiles, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, and one terpenoid, (±)-linalool, elicited the strongest electrophysiological responses by male and female antennae. Relatively high electrophysiological activity by T. dilaticollis antennae was also recorded to benzaldehyde, eugenol and caryophyllene. In the field, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, when presented individually, caught significantly more male and female T. dilaticollis than unbaited controls. These compounds could be developed into an attractive trap for the detection and monitoring of T. dilaticollis.

Development of a female attractant for the click beetle pest Agriotes brevis

“…For such studies, blend 1, given its relatively simple composition [( Z )‐3‐hexenyl acetate, methyl benzoate, ( Z )‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol and methyl salicylate], might be a suitable ‘standard’ blend. All of its constituents have been described as attractants for a range of insects, including several species of Coleoptera . Such efforts may lead to the optimisation of a synthetic lure that can be utilised to detect and monitor female A. brevis , thus contributing to more effective pest control practices.…”

Allelochemicals in Plant–Insect Interactions

“…The black-banded oak borer, Coroebus florentinus (Buprestidae), damages cork oak, Quercus suber (Fagaceae), and reduce cork production. 55 Gastrophysa polygoni (Crysomelidae) is a potential biological control agent of the invasive weed Rumex confertus (Polygonaceae). However, a blend of these five GLVs attracts females, but not males.…”

The histomorphological structure of the male reproductive system of maize leaf weevil Tanymecus dilaticollis Gyllenhal, 1834 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

“…The Grey corn weevil Tanymecus dilaticollis Gyllеnhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an economically important pest of maize in Eastern and Central Europe, and Asia (Meissle et al, ). It is a polyphagous species and beside maize it can cause serious yield loss of sunflower and sugar beet (Gerginov, ; Kacsó, ; Kirkov, ; Krusteva et al, ; Popov, ; Sáringer & Takács, ; Toshova et al, ). It can also damage wheat, barley, oat, bean, tobacco, watermelon, and alfalfa (Campăg, Seculić, & Kereši, ; Popov, ).…”

“…This species has one generation per year and overwinters as adult in the soil. Overwintered adults start feeding on weeds and winter cereals and then migrate to the emerging spring crops (Draganova, Toshova, & Takov, ; Toshova et al, ).…”

“…Overwintered adults start feeding on weeds and winter cereals and then migrate to the emerging spring crops (Draganova, Toshova, & Takov, 2012;Toshova et al, 2010).…”