Rh. Hallett et al., Pheromone trapping protocols for the Asian palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera : Curculionidae), INT J PEST, 45(3), 1999, pp. 231-237
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.