Synanthedon Pictipes Research Articles

Analysis of peach bark volatiles and their electroantennogram activity with lesser peachtree borer,Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson)

Bark volatiles from two peach cultivars (Bisco and Redskin) were obtained by vacuum steam distillation and fractionated by preparative gas chromatography. The fractions were then assayed with the electroantenno- gram (EAG) method on antennae of female lesser peachtree borer [Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson)]. With both cultivars, two fractions elicited the largest responses. Analysis of this material by GC-MS revealed a complex mixture made up of aromatic alcohols, esters, ketones, and acids, as well as phenols, aliphatic aldehydes, and aliphatic acids. EAG responses to pure samples of all identified components were recorded, and many of these compounds were found to be quite active. Among the most stimulatory were guaiacol, methyl benzoate, and l-phenyl-1,2-propanedione. Also tested were six-carbon aliphatic aldehydes and alcohols which are components of the foliar tissue of most plants. Of these, 1-hexanol showed moderate activity, while the aldehydes and unsaturated alcohols were only weakly active.

Biochemical Evidence for Resistance of Rootstocks to the Peachtree Borer and Species Separation of Peachtree Borer and Lesser Peachtree Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) on Peach Trees

Emergence of peachtree borer (PTB), Synanthedon exitiosa (Say), moths from infested ‘Siberian C’ rootstocks was greater and began earlier in the season than from ‘Lovell’ rootstocks. The cyanogenic glucoside prunasin was present in ‘Siberian C’ at a level about twice that of ‘Lovell’, but the amino acids, reducing sugars, and phenolic compounds were not apparently different between the two rootstocks on eight sampling dates. Injured areas on scaffold branches of peach trees where lesser peachtree borers (LPTB), Synanthedon pictipes (Grote & Robinson), attacked had lower levels of prunasin than adjacent healthy tissue. Feeding studies indicated that PTB larvae gained significantly more weight when raised on an artificial diet augmented with the cyanogenic glucoside amygdalin, whereas LPTB larvae did not; however, both species survived for at least 21 d on the diet. The enzyme that degrades amygdalin and prunasin, β-glucosidase, was present in extracts of PTB larvae only if the larvae were raised on the diet containing amygdalin. LPTB larvae extracts had at least a 10-fold higher activity of the enzyme. Both PTB and LPTB larvae obtained from infested peach trees had β-glucosidase activity, but only PTB larvae had β-cyanoalanine synthase enzyme activity. The significance of the data in relation to separation of species is discussed.

Cytospora Canker and the Establishment of Lesser Peachtree Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) in Peach Trees

Susceptibility of peach tree wounds infected with Cytospora canker to invasion by lesser peachtree borer (LPTB), Synanthedon pictipes (Grote & Robinson), was investigated. Treatments were 1) impact wounds on the scaffold limbs, 2) impact wounds treated with 1% naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) to induce gumming, and 3) impact wounds infected with Cytospora canker. Each treatment was made at three different times during spring 1983. Both date wounds were made and wound treatment had a significant effect on number of wounds becoming infested with LPTB. Wounds made in early April were less susceptible to infestation by borers than wounds made in late May; wounds made in late April were intermediate in susceptibility. Wounds infected with Cytospora at the beginning of the experiment were infested with LPTB earlier and to a greater extent than either untreated wounds or wounds treated with NAA. As the experiment progressed. many of the untreated or NAA-treated wounds that did not heal became infected with Cytospora, after which 35–38% of them were invaded by LPTB. In only one instance did a wound become infested with borers before its infection with Cytospora; otherwise, establishment of borers either followed or, in a few cases, coincided with infection of wounds with the disease. Relationship of structure of Cytospora-infected wounds to LPTB egg deposition and larval entry is discussed. On smooth-barked, otherwise healthy peach trees, such as those used in this experiment, infection of wounds by Cytospora is important to the establishment and spread of LPTB infestations in peach orchards.

Behavior and Control of the Peachtree Borer and Lesser Peachtree Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) in Peach Orchards Permeated with (Z,Z)-3, 13-Octadecadien-1-ol Acetate

The pheromone (Z,Z)-3,13-octadecadien-1-olacetate, when applied in peach orchards, reduced captures of lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson), males by 99.3% and peachtree borer, S. exitiosa (Say), males by 100% in traps baited with their respective pheromones. In the permeated orchards, mating of peachtree borer females was prevented in low, moderate, and highly infested orchards, but mating of lesser peachtree borer females was prevented only in low and moderately infested orchards. In an isolated treated peach orchard, 21 of 22 wild peachtree borer females captured were unmated, but in other semiisolated treated orchards, many mated females were also collected. Damage counts were not recorded in the isolated orchard; in the semiisolated orchards, no decreases in damage were noted. The pheromone, therefore, protected orchards by preventing mating of peachtree borer females that emerged from within the orchard, but had no effect on immigrating females. The pheromone depressed or delayed mating of lesser peachtree borers in an orchard with a high population but it appears unacceptable for control. In most situations, the pheromone will not provide enough control of the peachtree borer or suppression of the lesser peachtree borer unless there is sufficient isolation from other infested orchards, or unless a large area, including wild hosts, is treated.

Influence of air permeation of pheromone on response of male lesser peachtree borers1and peachtree borers2

Abstract Air permeation trials were conducted with Z,Z and E,Z isomers of 3,13‐octadecadien‐1‐ol acetate (ODDA) to determine response difference between males of the peachtree borer (PTB), Synanthedon exitiosa (Say), and lesser peachtree borer (LPTB), S. pictipes (Grote & Robinson), within and adjacent to permeated plots of a peach orchard. The pheromone was released from hollow fiber dispensers attached to the trees in the orchard. In the pheromone‐treated plots, both E,Z and Z,Z‐ODDA significantly reduced trap captures of PTB relative to the untreated plot. The E,Z isomer also significantly reduced captures of LPTB males but captures in the Z,Z treatment were higher than in the untreated plots. The pheromone treatments also influenced trap capture of both PTB and LPTB male moths outside the permeated plots.

Syntheses of unconjugated (Z,Z)-diolefinic insect pheromones on insoluble polymer supports

A 2% cross-linked styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer containing pendant trityl chloride groups was used as the solid support in the synthesis of (Z, Z)-3,13-octadecadien-1-yl acetate, a component of the sex attractant of the lesser peachtree borer,Synanthedon pictipes, the peachtree borer,Synanthedon exitiosa, and the cherry tree borer,Synanthedon hector. This solid-phase synthesis is compared with a similar synthetic approach in solution. The solid-phase synthesis of (Z, Z)-7,11-hexadecadien-1-yl acetate, a component of the pheromone of the pink bollworm moth,Pectinophora gossypiella is described.

Evaluation of Sampling and Control Methods for Lesser Peachtree Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) and American Plum Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Sour Cherry Orchards

The lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson), and the American plum borer, Euzophora semifuneralis (Walker), are pests of sour cherry orchards in Door County, Wis. Both species are wound inhabitants and feed on phloem and sapwood tissues. An indirect method of detecting larval infestations was developed which is not destructive to tree tissues. The borer damage of the two species can be distinguished by the pattern of frass deposition in the sap which flows from wounds in which borers are feeding. Two methods of population estimation are suggested. A cultural control method was developed which blocked the entrance of larvae into trees by sealing wounds with paint. This proved to be more effective in reducing borer infestation than insecticidal methods currently in use.

Peach, Lesser Peach Tree Borer Control with Insecticides, 1982

Abstract A 17-year-old block was used in these tests. Seven trees arranged in a randomized block design were used for each treatment. Sprays were applied on June 15 to the trunk and scaffold limbs using a hydraulic sprayer equipped with a handgun and operated at 250 psi. Trees were sprayed until the bark, and especially old borer wounds, were thoroughly soaked, which required approximately 4 gal per tree. Sprays were applied 2 weeks before peak emergence of the first generation of moths. Treatment effectiveness was determined by weekly counts of pupal cases, which were indicative of the number of larvae and pupae able to complete their development in treated trees and the successful establishment and completion of development by the generation following treatment. Pupal cases were removed as counted.

Light and Other Stimuli in the Location of Feeding Sites by Lesser Peach Tree Borer Larvae

The reactions of larval lesser peach tree borers, Synanthedon pictipes Grote and Robinson (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), to light of varying wavelength and intensity were studied in the laboratory. Only newly hatched larvae were responsive. Red, blue, and green light evoked a positive response, whereas yellow and ultraviolet did not. Field studies of larval behavior while searching for suitable feeding sites (wounds) on sour cherry trees revealed that newly hatched individuals are extremely active. Thus, the responsiveness of newly hatched larvae to light probably contributes to the observed searching. Behavior during the location of wounds was characterized by distinct patterns of long-distance and local search. In addition to the observed responses to light, chemotaxes and thigmotaxes were conjectured as other components of such analyzed searches. Lenticels, fresh wounds exposing sapwood, and other roughened bark areas apparently are major sources of the stimuli involved in eliciting the latter responses.

Effectiveness of Blends of Synthetic Sex Attractants and Comparison with Virgin Female Lesser Peachtree Borers as Bait for Capture of Sesiidae 12

Various blends of ( Z , Z )-and ( E , Z )-3,13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate [( E , Z )ODDA and ( Z , Z )ODDA], the major components of the sex pheromones of peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa (Jay), and lesser peachtree borer S. pictipes (Grote and Robinson), were field tested in 1979. Peachtree borer males were captured in the greatest numbers in traps baited with high ratios of Z,Z to E,Z. Lesser peachtree borer males were captured in the greatest numbers in traps baited with pure ( E , Z )ODDA; however, several were captured in traps baited with Z , Z / E , Z ratios as high as 50:50 Z , Z / E , Z , an indication that contamination of ( E , Z )ODDA with ( Z , Z )ODDA will not completely inhibit capture of males. In a test comparing the attractiveness of virgin females with that of synthetic sex attractant, no significant difference was noted between catches of males with 100 μg of ( E , Z )ODDA and with those having one female LPTB; both were relatively ineffective. Significantly more males were attracted to 5 and 10 virgin females than to 500 and 1,000 μg of sex attractant, respectively. Four species of Sesiidae not previously reported in Indiana were trapped during the season. The range of Alcathoe carolinensis Engelhardt was extended considerably by its capture in Indiana. Other new state records were Podosesia aureocincta (Purrington and Nielsen), Paranthrene pellucida (Greenfield and Karandinos), and Synanthedon rubrofascia (Hy. Edw.)

Air permeation tests with (Z,Z)-3,13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate for reduction in trap catch of peachtree and lesser peachtree borer moths

Air permeation trials were conducted to determine whether trap catches of the peachtree borer (PTB)Synanthedon exitiosa (Say) and lesser peachtree borer (LPTB)S. pictipes (Grote and Robinson) could be reduced through application of the synthetic pheromone of the PTB, (Z,Z)-3,13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate (Z,Z-ODDA), at 92% isomeric purity. The pheromone was released into the air of peach orchard test plots with hanging laminated plastic dispensers or hollow fiber dispensers in the trees and by aerial dispersal of microcapsules containing a solution of the lure. Results showed that all formulations ofZ, Z-ODDA reduced trap catches of both PTB and LPTB in treated plots relative to catches in traps in untreated plots. In one air permeation experiment, three types of laminated dispensers and one type of hollow fiber dispenser each reduced trap catch of PTB by 93-100% and of LPTB by 75-95%. In a separate test, two formulations of microencapsulatedZ,Z-ODDA did not reduce trap catch of male PTB as effectively as the laminated dispenser; results for LPTB were similar for both the dispensers and microcapsules. Catches of male PTB moths in traps baited with laminated and or fiber pheromone dispensers containing ODDA (94∶6%Z,Z∶E,Z) were not significantly different. LPTB male moths were also captured in these traps, the catches being dependent upon the initial pheromone loading and the type of dispensers.

Effectiveness of Chlorpyrifos for Control of Synanthedon pictipes and S. exitiosa in Peach Orchard Tests of Young Trees with Emphasis on Timing Applications12

Chlorpyrifos (185 g AI/100 liters), applied to young peach trees (beginning with 2nd leaf) for 3 consective years, substantially reduced infestations of the peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa (Say), when a single application was made on June 15, July 15, or Aug. 15, each year. A similar trend for control at the same application times appeared to be developing for the lesser peachtree borer, S. pictipes (Grote and Robinson). For S. exitiosa, a single application, at half the present recommended rate, per season during the summer was effective. Flexibility in timing of the application during the season, a low rate, and reduced number of applications are advantages that might be incorporated into a pest management program for control of peach borers.

Longevity and Attractivity to Male Lesser Peachtree Borer1 of E,Z-Odda Evaporated from Various Dispensers3

Leather dispensers, rubber septa (stopper), a polyethylene vial, polyurethane foam (2 pore sizes), and a hollow fiber dispenser, each charged with (E,Z) -3, 13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate (EZ-ODDA), the sex pheromone of the lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote & Robinson), were evaluated for longevity of attractiveness in field tests in north central Florida in 1978–79. Except for traps baited with hollow fiber dispensers charged with 16 mg of EZ-ODDA, more males were captured in traps with a leather dispenser charged with 500 μg than in traps with other dispensers similarly charged. Traps with the leather dispenser (charged once) captured 1.8–2.4× more males in 3 tests in 1978, an 8-wk period, and 1.3 – 2.3× more males in 2 tests in 1979, also for 8 wk, than traps with rubber stoppers charged every 3 wk.

Lesser peachtree borer: Influence of pheromone concentration, isomeric blend, and experimental design on trap capture

Trap capture data from Ohio and Wisconsin show that (E,Z)-3-13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate alone is an effective trap bait for maleSynanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson). Attractiveness increased by increasing attractant concentration but not by adding theZ,E geometrical isomer.S. pictipes males partitioned themselves in a linear fashion among traps baited with 10–100 μg of attractant in 10-μg increments. Furthermore, they discriminated between 50- and 100-μg baits placed in the same tree. These and other results indicate that, in clearwing experiments involving noninhibitory compounds and blend tuning, high trap density can be used successfully.

A nuclear polyhedrosis virus of the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Temperate orchards systems have several environmental features that make them conducive to microbial control strategies including adequate soil moisture, shading (protection from harmful UV) and stability. This chapter reviews and analyzes microbial control efforts in temperate orchards, including pome fruit, stone fruit, and nut crops. Emphasis is placed on pest complexes that have received most attention as targets for microbial control in North America. Examples where microbial control has been successful include the use of granulovirus and entomopathogenic nematodes against codling moth, the use of entomopathogenic nematodes against plum curculio, peachtree borer or lesser peachtree borer, and the combined or single applications of entomopathogenic nematodes, fungi (Beauveria bassiana or Metarhizium spp.) and bacteria (Chromobacterium subtsugae) against pecan weevil. Improvements in efficacy have been made through careful selection of pathogen strains or species as well as recent advances in formulation or application techniques. Currently, commercially produced microbial control agents and their derivatives are applied to an increasing number of insect pests in temperate orchard systems; based on current and future research directions outlined in this chapter, there is great potential for expansion.

Synthesis of sex pheromones of lesser peachtree borer and peachtree borer

The sex pheromones produced by females of the lesser peachtree borer,Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson), and the peachtree borer,Synanthedon exitiosa (Say), (E,Z)- and (Z,Z)-3,13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate, respectively, were synthesized from 1,8-dichlorooctane, lithium acetylide, and ethylene oxide. In the course of the synthesis a new carbon-oxygen cleavage reaction of homopropargylic acetals was found, and the stereochemistry of the dissolving metal reductions of acetylenic alcohols was investigated.

Influence of Pheromone Trap Color in Capturing Lesser Peachtree Borer and Peachtree Borer Males123

Traps capturing significantly more lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson), males were solid red, solid green, solid orange, and black with yellow strips. White was consistently a poor trap color. No significant differences were noted between color combinations of red and white, but as the proportional amount of white was increased, the mean number of captures decreased. There were no significant differences in captures between red and black traps and among traps which had these colors arranged in different combinations. More peachtree borer, S. exitiosa (Say), males were caught in black traps and the least number in white traps. Red and black combination traps had more peachtree borer males in those with a surface area painted one-half or more black.

Lesser Peachtree Borer 1 : Recovery of Marked Native Males in Pheromone Baited Traps 2

Captured native male moths of the lesser peachtree borer (LPTB), Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson) were released at the center of a circular 800-ha area containing evenly spaced (6.5/ha) large wing traps. The avg recovery at this trap density was 20.3%; however, 97% were recaptured in 15 traps located within a 0.6-km radius of the release point. On the basis of this recapture rate, an estimated 16.6% of the native male population were captured during the season. Of those captured, 77% were caught in traps located near or within peach orchards.

Influences of the Age of the Trap and Pheromone on Capturing Males of the Lesser Peachtree Borer 1 in Sticky Traps 2

Pherocon® 1C sticky traps baited with pheromone became less attractive in time to males of the lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson), but could be made effective again with fresh pheromone. The baited traps decreased in attractiveness with time; the oldest traps and pheromone were the least attractive. The largest number of males was caught when both traps and pheromone were replaced every 3 wk.

Seasonal Occurrence of Male Sesiidae in North Central Florida Determined with Pheromone Trapping Methods

The seasonal occurrence of 20 species of male Sesiidae was determined in Alachua and Marion counties in north central Florida during 1975-77. Sticky traps were baited with the sex pheromones of the lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson), and the peachtree borer, Synanthedon (= Sanninoidea) exitiosa (Say), (E,Z)- and (Z,Z)-3, 13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate, respectively. These materials or the corresponding alcohols or binary mixtures of the acetates plus alcohols attracted 15 species of 25 currently recognized Sesiidae from Florida plus the following 5 species not reported before: Synanthedon decipiens (Hy. Edwards), Synanthedon fatifera Hodges, Carmenta bassiformis (Walker), Carmenta suffusata Englehardt, and Alcathoe carolinensis Engelhardt.