Field bioassays of synthetic pheromones and host monoterpenes for Conophthorus coniperda (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Four major monoterpenes, (+/-)-alpha-pinene, 1(S)-(-)-beta-pinene, (R)-(+)-limonene, and myrcene are found in the cones of eastern white pines, Pinus strobus L. Mixtures of these, as well as, alpha-pinene or beta-pinene alone. increased catches of male white pine cone beetles, Conophthorus coniperda (Schwartz), in traps baited with the female sex pheromone, (+/-)-trans-pityol. The monoterpenes by themselves as mixtures or individually (alpha-pinene, beta-pinene) were not attractants for males or females. Traps baited with (+/-)-trans-pityol and alpha-pinene caught as many, or significantly more beetles than those baited with pityol and a four monoterpene mixture (1:1:1:1) used in seed orchards in North Carolina Ohio, and Virginia. Three beetle produced compounds, conophthorin, trans-pinocarveol, and myrtenol did not enhance catches of males or females in (+/-)-trans-pityol-baited traps. Racemic E-(+/-)-conophthorin, E-(-)-conophthorin, and E-(+)-conophthorin significantly reduced catches of males in traps baited with (+)-trans-pityol alone. Female C. coniperda were not attracted to any of the host-or beetle-produced compounds tested. The study demonstrated that traps with baits releasing (+/-)-trans-pityol at about 1mg/wk with (+/-)-alpha-pinene (98% pure) are potentially valuable tools for C. coniperda pest management. Baited traps can be used to monitor C. coniperda populations or possibly to reduce seed losses in a beetle trap-out control strategy.