Development of a trap for monitoring Tribolium spp. and evaluation of the activity with different baits

Abstract

Based on the results of a previous study, that compared different type of traps sold on the market, the characteristics that can improve a trap for flour beetles were delineated. On the basis of this research four black traps were produced. The
prototype of the trap, that showed the best catching activity, was activated with different attractants present on the market, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of trapping Tribolium castaneum and T. confusum. The trap had the shape of a truncated
pyramid with squared basis and a rounded central pitfall with perpendicular walls. Externally the trap was made of flocked PVC, while the top and the pitfall were made of smooth PVC. The substances used to bait the trap were: food attractant (cellulose disk imbued with 200μl of wheat germ oil), standard dispenser (natural rubber) and disk dispenser (expanded rubber) lured with 1 mg of 4,8-dimethyldecanal, provided by Novapher, Pest Patrol (89.62% wheat germ oil, 9.96% inactive ingredients, 0.42% 4,8-dimethyldecanal), wheat germ oil, and carob water extract. Tests were carried out in plastic arenas (40x60cm) in a thermostatic chamber at 26±1°C and 70±5% r.h.

The most attractant substances for the two species were Pest Patrol and 1 mg of 4,8-dimethyldecanal in standard dispenser and disk dispenser. Wheat germ oil showed the same attractiveness of the pheromone for T. castaneum, while for T. confusum it showed the same poor activity of the food attractant. Carob water extract showed a poor attractiveness for both the species.
The number of adults caught by the trap gradually increased with the time, but significative differences were not observed among the number observed at 24, 48, 72 hours except for the number of T. castaneum with the carob water extract.