Pheromone trapping protocols for the Asian palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera : Curculionidae)

Protocols for pheromone-based mass-trapping of the Asian palm weevil, Rhync hophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), are presented. The aggregation pheromone, f errugineol (4-methyl-5-nonanol) released at 3 mg per 24 h was numerically, but not statistically, superior to lower doses, and this rate is recommende d for operational trapping programmes. Trap captures were maximized by plac ing traps at ground level or 2 m high. Vane traps were superior to bucket t raps. Insecticide-free traps containing funnels to prevent weevil escape we re equally as effective as traps using insecticide to retain weevils. Syner gism between ferrugineol and host palm volatiles was demonstrated and neces sitates the inclusion of palm material in traps for maximum trapping effica cy. Both the Asian palm weevil and coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhino ceros, were captured in the same traps without interference between their r espective pheromones. These results have led in part to pheromone-based mas s-trapping of the Asian palm weevil throughout the Middle fast where the we evil is a serious introduced pest of date palms.