Abstract
The European Woodwasp, Sirex noctilio Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), is a significant worldwide pest of Pinus spp. An effective semiochemical lure for both S. noctilio and its parasitoids would aid control efforts of this forest pest.
This study's objective was to identify the compounds found in Amylostereum areolatum that attract S. noctilio parasitoids. This study concentrated on the parasitoid Ibalia leucospoides ensiger Norton (Hymenoptera: Ibaliidae). Additionally, the possibility of attraction of S. noctilio to A. areolatum volatiles was investigated.
All compounds were identified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and gas chromatography coupled with an electroantennographic detector (GC-EAD). p-Anisaldehyde, as well as a mixture of 1-(3-ethylphenyl)ethanone and 1-(4-ethylphenyl)ethanone, were attractive to I. l. ensiger in laboratory bioassays. GC-EAD analysis showed S. noctilio responded to linalool and either 1-(3-ethylphenyl)ethanone or geraniol. The mixture of 1-(3-ethylphenyl)ethanone and 1-(4-ethylphenyl)ethanone tested in the field did not yield any catches of either I. l. ensiger or S. noctilio.