Pheromones Flashcards
What is a pheromone? Name an example.
Substances emitted by an organism that cause a specific reaction in a receiving organism of the same species. For example, female MPBs emit aggregation pheromones during mass attack to bring beetles to a host tree, and anti-aggregation pheromones to say the tree is full.
What are two reasons for setting pheromone traps?
- Monitoring insect populations
2. Reducing insect populations by mass trapping (especially in sensitive areas such as log sorts)
Pheromone traps are most effective during which life stage? Why.
Adult Stage. Adults have the ability to fly, larvae do not. The traps will catch adults as they are seeking a host tree or mate, usually in late summer.
How do mating disturbance pheromones work? (Hint: look up Disparlure or Disrupt II). Name an insect they are used on.
Disparlure is a synthetic reproduction of the female moth sex attractant. When applied over a large area, it confuses the males so they cannot find a mate. They are used on Douglas-fir Tussock moths and Gypsy moths.
How are mating disturbance pheromones applied?
Mating disturbance pheromones (such as Disparlure) are put in small permeable plastic flakes and applied aerially, sticking to foliage and releasing pheromones for up to three months.
Why are funnel pheromone traps preferred to trap logs?
Funnel traps will kill the insects. If a trap log isn’t disposed of appropriately, insects will simply complete their life cycle in the log. Funnel traps can also be used for monitoring (they allow for accurate bug counts).
What is the purpose of mass trapping? Is it effective for high-density insect populations?
The aim of mass trapping is to prevent crop damage by capturing a substantial proportion of a pest population prior to mating or feeding. It requires an attractive lure (usually a pheromone) and is most effective with LOW-density insect populations.
