Laboratory determination of the biological activity, and preliminary investigation of the field application potential, of the sex pheromones of the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis)

Author of the article:WANG Li-Kun1** LUO Jia-Yao1 QIU Zi-Xuan1 QIAN Ming-Rong1 Lü Yao-Bin2***

Author's Workplace：1. Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China; 2. State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China

Key Words：Phenacoccus solenopsis; sex pheromone; trapping; biological activity; integrated pest management

Abstract：[Aim] To investigate the chemical communication mechanism by which the sex pheromones of Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley attract males, and thereby provide a scientific basis for developing sex attractants for the environmentally-friendly control of this pest. [Methods] Laboratory bioassays and field trapping experiments were conducted to evaluate the attractiveness of different doses of sex pheromone to male P. solenopsis. The efficacy of various lure doses was also compared under field conditions. [Results] Laboratory bioassays showed that doses of 20 µg and 40 µg were highly attractive to males (P<0.01). Field trapping experiments further demonstrated that most males were captured with a dose of 40 µg. [Conclusion] These results identify the most effective dose of female sex pheromone for trapping male P. solenopsis, thereby providing important evidence for the development and application of sex attractants for this pest.