Combining monitoring and incursion surveillance for grains

Abstract

The aim of this project is to develop multispecies trapping strategies for the stored grain beetles Rhyzopertha dominica, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Tribolium castaneum, Sitophilus oryzae (all established in Australia) and Prostephanus truncatus (not present in Australia) in outdoor environments.
Replicated field studies in Australia indicate no adverse interaction between Rhyzopertha, Tribolium, and rostephanus commercial pheromone lures and a commercial pheromone/plant volatile combination lure for Cryptolestes ferrugineus, however a component of the Cryptolestes lure appears to enhance the response of R. dominica to its own pheromone. Trials in South Africa are being conducted to assess the response of P. truncatus to the pheromones of other species, since only unidirectional effects involving the Prostephanus lure can be studied in Australia. A plant volatile has been identified that provides significantly better captures of C. ferrugineus than the lure developed by Research Directions Pty Ltd, however optimal results are obtained when the pheromone lure and plant volatile are combined. Panel traps catch more C. ferrugineus than Lindgren funnel traps, however this is attributed to the higher evaporation rate of the plant volatile from this style of trap.
Commercial Sitophilus oryzae lures have so far proven ineffective in the field, however laboratory studies on plant volatiles suggest some compounds may be effective co-attractants, and this will be evaluated during the 2016-17 season. A third commercial Sitophilus lure will also be evaluated.