LE3 .A278 2012

2012

Hillier, Kirk

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

The primary objective of this project was to identify sex attractants of male Aroga trialbamaculella Chambers (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) - a moth whose larvae feed on the foliage of wild blueberry plants and develop a pheromone-based monitoring system for this pest in Nova Scotia wild blueberry fields. Attractant-based trapping trials were conducted during summers 2009, 2010 and 2011 in wild blueberry fields of mainland Nova Scotia, Canada, to test behavioural responsiveness of male A. trialbamaculella to potential sex attractants. The chemical compositions of female extracts were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Electroantennography was used to test male moth sensitivity to candidate pheromone components selected for trapping trials. Laboratory rearing of A. trialbamaculella revealed five new parasitoid wasp species records for Nova Scotia including new records for the Maritime Provinces and Canada. All parasitoids are new records for parasitizing A. trialbamaculella. Life history and degree-day information for A. trialbamaculella and degree-day information for parasitoids were also determined. Non-target captures (bycatch) obtained during A. trialbamaculella pheromone-based trapping trials revealed two new Lepidoptera species records including one continental Canada record and candidate sex attractants for two Lepidoptera species. Our studies suggest female A. trialbamaculella produce an active sex pheromone that is likely comprised of a 12-carbon acetate. Emergence for A. trialbamaculella occurred during ~435-480 degree-days with peak flight during ~630-705 degree-days. Knowledge on A. trialbamaculella’s female sex pheromone and degree-days is pertinent information toward the development of a pheromone-based monitoring system for A. trialbamaculella.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:243