Factors affecting capture of the white pine cone beetle, <i>Conophthorus coniperda</i> (Schwarz) (Col., Scolytidae) in pheromone traps

Abstract

Abstract: The white pine cone beetle, Conophthorus coniperda , is a serious pest of seed orchards. The sex pheromone (+)‐ trans ‐pityol, (2 R ,5 S )‐2‐(1‐hydroxy‐1‐methylethyl)‐5‐methyltetrahydrofuran, shows considerable promise to manage the cone beetle populations in seed orchards. Our work confirms that pityol is an effective attractant to capture male C. coniperda. Traps need to be placed in the tree crown, preferably in the cone‐bearing region, to trap out more insects. Japanese beetle traps were superior to the Lindgren funnel traps in capturing insects and trap colour had no significant effect. Commercially available bubble caps for dispensing pheromone were as effective as the experimental ‘vial and wick’ and the glass capillary tube units. Pityol released at about 0.1 mg &amp;#x006d;̇ day −1 (100 female equivalents) was effective, and higher (more expensive) rates did not significantly improve trap catch.