Attraction of the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), to different wavelengths and intensities of LEDs

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 surveillance strategies. While the existing trap surveillance strategy utilizing the Hessian fly female sex-pheromone is effective and efficient, it does not attract female Hessian flies. Surveillance of female adults is key to assessing the severity of new invasions, modeling changes in population dynamics at the field level, and incorporating trap captures into management decisions. Preliminary experiments have shown the female Hessian fly is attracted to green light emitting diodes (LEDs) significantly more than other colors. The purpose of this research is to expand on preliminary experiments, which examined different color wavelengths, and focus on attraction to LEDs in the green spectrum at varied light intensities. Hessian fly attraction to different LED wavelengths and intensities was tested in a four-leaf, clover-shaped arena, which contained a LED within a collection cup at the apex of each of the four cloverleaves. The wavelengths (colors) covered the low, medium, and upper spectra of green light (492 to 577nm). The intensities (brightness) covered the low, medium, and upper emission limits of the LEDs. The results of these experiments demonstrate the influence of light wavelength and intensity on Hessian fly attraction to LEDs. Ultimately these results will be incorporated into new trap designs, adding multiple sensory stimulants to the existing trap, thus improving trap attractiveness and effectiveness for surveillance of both sexes of Hessian fly.