Optimization of multifunnel traps for emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): influence of size, trap coating, and color.
Field assays were conducted in southeastern and south-central Michigan in 2011 and 2012 to optimize green and purple multifunnel (Lindgren funnel) traps for use as a survey tool for the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire. Larger sized (12- and 16-unit) multifunnel traps caught more beetles than their smaller-sized (4- and 8-unit) counterparts. Green traps coated with untinted (white) fluon caught almost four times as many adult A. planipennis as Rain-X and tinted (green) fluon-coated traps and almost 33 times more beetles than untreated control traps. Purple multifunnel traps generally caught much lower numbers of A. planipennis adults than green traps, and trap catch on them was not affected by differences in the type of coating applied. However, trap coating was necessary as untreated control purple traps caught significantly less beetles than traps treated with Rain-X and untinted or tinted (purple) fluon. Proportions of male beetles captured were generally much higher on green traps than on purple traps, but sex ratios were not affected by trap coating. In 2012, a new shade of purple plastic, based on a better color match to an attractive purple paint than the previously used purple, was used for trapping assays. When multifunnel traps were treated with fluon, green traps caught more A. planipennis adults than both shades of purple and a prism trap that was manufactured based on the same color match. Trap catch was not affected by diluting the fluon concentration applied to traps to 50% (1:1 mixture in water). At 10%, trap catch was significantly lowered.
USDA-APHIS-PPQ-CPHST, Otis Laboratory, 1398 West Truck Rd, Buzzards Bay, MA 02542, USA. joe.francese@aphis.usda.gov
Joseph A
JA
Francese
USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Emerald Ash Borer Project, 5936 Ford Court, Ste., 200, Brighton, MI 48116, USA.
Michael L
ML
Rietz
USDA-APHIS-PPQ-CPHST, Otis Laboratory, 1398 West Truck Rd, Buzzards Bay, MA 02542, USA.
Victor C
VC
Mastro
D000818:Animals; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000502:physiology*; D003116:Color; D031661:Fraxinus / Q000254:growth & development*; D007300:Insect Control / Q000379:methods*; D008824:Michigan