Attraction behavior of the Melon Weevil, Acythopeus curvirostris persicus, to conspecific insects and host plants

ABSTRACT

Melon weevil, Acytopeus curvirostris persicus Thompson (Col.: Curculionidae), is an important pest of cucurbits. Understanding the chemical ecology of this species could provide information for the development of nonchemical control measures. Field trapping experiments indicated adult insects respond to conspecific (a member of the same species) insects and host fruit. To determine attractiveness rate, two-way static experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions using conspecific insects, and to evaluate the role of the host plants melon (Cucumis melo L.), watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb)], cucumber (C. sativus L.), and colocynth [C. colocynthis (L.)]. Cucumber fruit had the most, and colocynth fruit, the least attraction. Adult insects were more attracted to a mated, or unmated, conspecific insect indicating existence of an aggregation pheromone. Results of the study provided the necessary background for the identification of host plant kairomone and aggregation pheromone of melon weevil.

KEYWORDS:

• Aggregation pheromone
• cucurbitaceae
• melon weevil
• two-way static olfactometer

Additional information

Funding

Financial support was received from the Postgraduate Education Bureau of Shahed University, Tehran, Iran, which is greatly appreciated.