Field and laboratory studies to identify host attractants for the redbay ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

The redbay ambrosia beetle (RAB, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff) is an exotic wood-boring pest native to southeastern Asia. Female RAB carry a symbiotic fungus (Raffaelea lauricola) that causes laurel wilt, a lethal vascular disease of trees in the Lauraceae. First detected in Georgia in 2002, RAB has since spread throughout the southeastern U.S. causing high mortality in redbay (Persea borbonia) and swampbay (P. palustris). Currently, it is encroaching upon south Florida where it threatens commercial avocado (P. americana). There is a critical need for effective attractants to detect and control the spread of this invasive pest. Female RAB attack healthy laurel trees, and initial research indicated that host tree volatiles may be the best source of attractants for dispersing females. We report here a combination of field and laboratory studies evaluating attraction of RAB to wood from avocado (3 horticultural races) and lychee (Litchi chinensis), and to 2 essential oil lures (manuka and phoebe oils). We also report methods developed for sampling and analysis of volatile chemicals (primarily sesquiterpenes) emitted from attractive wood substrates.