Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), attraction to visual and olfactory cues in Y-tube studies and under semi-field conditions

The Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a major pest of wheat around the world. Early detection and implementation of management methods are dependent on cost effective and efficient monitoring strategies. While the existing monitoring strategy utilizing the Hessian fly female sex-pheromone is effective, it does not attract female Hessian flies. This is problematic, as monitoring of female adults is key to assessing the severity of new invasions and incorporating trap captures into management decisions. Recent research has shown female Hessian flies are attracted to green light emitting diodes (LEDs) (≈525 nm) at high intensities (16 W/m²). The purpose of these studies was to examine the attraction of both sexes of Hessian fly to a combination visual and olfactory attractants. Hessian fly attraction to LEDs (525 nm, 16 W/m²) and female sex pheromone combinations was tested in Y-tube olfactometer bioassays to examine potential interactions between attractants and either sex of fly. Hessian fly attraction to LEDs was also assessed under semi-field conditions to examine the effects of sunlight and wheat. Results demonstrated the potential for LEDs in conjunction with female sex pheromone may improve existing trap captures of both Hessian fly sexes. In addition, our findings will be incorporated into new Hessian fly trap designs, thus improving effectiveness for surveillance of both sexes of Hessian fly.