Identification and Practical Use of Semiochemicals for the Management of Agriculturally Important Insects

Seek pheromones and host-plant related attractants for selected insect species.
Species studied will include, but not be limited to, Diorhabda elongata (a biocontrol
agent of saltcedar), Galerucella calmariensis (a biocontrol agent of purple
loosestrife), and various flea beetle species (including vegetable crop pests and
also biocontrol agents of leafy spurge). Collect volatiles from male and female
insects and from host plants and analyze these by gas chromatography, mass
spectrometry, and electrophysiology ('electroantennograms'). Those compounds that are
emitted by just one sex and that are detected with great sensitivity by the insect
antennae are likely to be pheromone components. Similarly, host plant compounds with
high antennal sensitivity are potential attractants. Identify the structures of
these key compounds using mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy,
chemical tests, and other appropriate methods. Synthesize the compounds using the
methods of organic chemistry or otherwise obtain them in bulk from botanical or other
sources. <p>Use techniques such as 'sticky traps' or other trapping methods to evaluate
the attractiveness of synthetic compounds under field conditions, relative to
controls and also to live insects. Characterize the behavior toward the attractants
under laboratory conditions, if possible. Develop the newly identified attractants as
practical insect management tools, for monitoring or manipulating populations of the
insects under consideration. For key pheromones, such as those of nitidulid beetles,
develop new synthetic schemes suitable for commercial pheromone production.