The Role of (E)-2-octenyl Acetate as a Pheromone of Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister): Laboratory and Field Evaluation.

Mokhtar Abdulsattar Arif,Stefano Colazza,Ezio Peri,Salvatore Guarino

doi:10.3390/insects11020109

Mokhtar Abdulsattar Arif, Stefano Colazza + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11020109

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Abstract

The pentatomid bug Bagrada hilaris is a key pest of brassicaceous crops in several areas of the world. Previous studies suggest that mate location of this species is mediated by volatile chemicals produced by males, among which the main compound is (E)-2-octenyl acetate. However, the possible attraction of males, females, and nymphs to this compound has not yet been specifically tested. In this study, we tested the response of B. hilaris females, males, and nymphs to (E)-2-octenyl acetate using an electroantennogram (EAG) and olfactometer in the presence or absence of a host plant. Moreover, (E)-2-octenyl acetate as an attractant lure in field trap bioassays was evaluated. EAG recordings showed that this compound evokes antennal responses in B. hilaris females. Olfactometer behavioral responses showed that females and nymphs were attracted to (E)-2-octenyl acetate, while males showed no attraction. In the field trap bioassays, captures were obtained in traps baited with 5 and 10 mg of (E)-2-octenyl acetate, while in traps loaded with 2 mg and control traps, there were no recorded catches. These results suggest the involvement of (E)-2-octenyl acetate in intraspecific interactions of this species.

Highlights

The painted bug, Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister), is an invasive stink bug which feeds mainly on brassicaceous hosts, and it is detrimental to crops in recently invaded areas [1]
Bagrada hilaris has had a remarkable impact on agriculture in the Americas; it has been estimated that about 90% of the cole crops including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower acreage planted in the USA have been infested by the painted bug, with yield losses often exceeding 10% of production [1]
We evaluated the antennal response of B. hilaris females, males, and nymphs to (E)-2-octenyl acetate using electrophysiological techniques

Summary

Introduction

The painted bug, Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister), is an invasive stink bug which feeds mainly on brassicaceous hosts, and it is detrimental to crops in recently invaded areas [1]. This species is widely distributed across Africa, southern and central Europe, Pakistan, India, China, and parts of Southeast Asia [2,3]. Bagrada hilaris has had a remarkable impact on agriculture in the Americas; it has been estimated that about 90% of the cole crops including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower acreage planted in the USA have been infested by the painted bug, with yield losses often exceeding 10% of production [1]. Painted bug infestation has severe physiological consequences on host plants; for example, it reduces leaf photosynthesis of cauliflower plants by about

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