Evaluation of Semiochemical Baits for Management of Southern Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Peanuts

Field trials to test the efficacy of insecticidal semiochemical baits for management of the southern com rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, in peanuts were conducted in 1992, 1993, and 1994 in North Carolina and Virginia. The baits contained a mixture of cucurbitacins as a feeding arrestant, volatile feeding attractants (1,2,4-trimethoxy-benzene, indole, and trans-cinnamaldehyde), and carbaryl as a toxicant. Results were similar in both North Carolina and Virginia. In 1992 and 1993, there were no statistically significant differences in in-shell yield because of treatment. Numerically highest yields were always obtained in the chlorpyrifos-treated plots; numerically lowest yields occurred in the semiochemical bait-treated plots in 1993 and 1994. In 1994, in-shell yield was significantly higher in the chlorpyrifos-treated than in granular semiochemical bait-treated peanuts. Percentage of undamaged pods was highest in chlorpyrifos-treated and lowest in bait-treated peanuts. Possible reasons for lack of efficacy of baits as applied are discussed relative to the biology of southern corn rootworm in peanuts.