A comparative assessment of the response of two species of cucumber beetles to visual and olfactory cues and prospects for mass trapping

Spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardii (Barber)) and striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum (Fabricius)) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are serious pests of field-grown cucurbits in most areas of the US where these crops are grown. This study aimed at quantifying the behavioral response of spotted and striped cucumber beetles to visual and olfactory cues  associated with two different trap types (1-gallon containers and Corn rootworm traps). Traps painted with one of six colors (black, blue, green, red, yellow and white) and clear (unpainted control) traps were evaluated. The main goal here was to determine whether a home-made trap could be used in a mass-trapping system. To be able to account for the effects of olfactory stimuli on the visual response to each trapping mechanism, the response of both species of cucumber beetles to traps baited with a floral-based volatile and to unbaited traps was recorded. Differences in the way each species of cucumber beetle responded to colored traps depending on the trapping mechanism and on the presence/absence of odor were documented. Findings from on-farm research indicate that a mass trapping system can be implemented to pull cucumber beetles away from the cash crops, and this system can be used as part of a broader IPM program aimed at managing cucumber beetles with reduced pesticide use.