Synthetic host volatiles increase efficacy of trap cropping for management of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

Abstract 1 The attractiveness of pitfall traps baited with a synthetic host volatile attractant to colonizing adult Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) was evaluated in a field setting. 2 Significantly more postdiapause, colonizing adult L. decemlineata were captured in baited than unbaited pitfall traps. 3 The potential for this synthetic kairomone to enhance the efficacy of trap cropping as a management tool was evaluated by comparing conventionally managed plots with like‐sized plots bordered by either attractant‐treated trap crop or untreated trap crop. 4 More postdiapause, colonizing adults, egg masses and small larvae were present in attractant‐treated trap crops than in untreated trap crops. 5 There were no significant differences in egg mass and small larvae densities between plots bordered by attractant‐treated trap crops and conventionally managed plots, but there were significantly fewer large larvae and adult beetles in conventionally managed plots. 6 Plant canopy area of conventionally managed plots was significantly greater than in plots bordered by either type of trap crop. 7 Yields for conventionally managed plots and plots bordered by attractant‐treated trap crops did not differ, and less insecticide (44%) was applied to plots bordered by attractant‐treated trap crops.