Synthetic host volatiles increase efficacy of trap cropping for management of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

Abstract  1 The attractiveness of pitfall traps baited with a synthetic host volatile attractant to colonizing adult Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) was evaluated in a field setting. 2 Significantly more postdiapause, colonizing adult L. decemlineata were captured in baited than unbaited pitfall traps. 3 The potential for this synthetic kairomone to enhance the efficacy of trap cropping as a management tool was evaluated by comparing conventionally managed plots with like-sized plots bordered by either attractant-treated trap crop or untreated trap crop. 4 More postdiapause, colonizing adults, egg masses and small larvae were present in attractant-treated trap crops than in untreated trap crops. 5 There were no significant differences in egg mass and small larvae densities between plots bordered by attractant-treated trap crops and conventionally managed plots, but there were significantly fewer large larvae and adult beetles in conventionally managed plots. 6 Plant canopy area of conventionally managed plots was significantly greater than in plots bordered by either type of trap crop. 7 Yields for conventionally managed plots and plots bordered by attractant-treated trap crops did not differ, and less insecticide (44%) was applied to plots bordered by attractant-treated trap crops.