Early detection and effect of semiochemicals on the management of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier on Phoenix canariensis Chabaud in Tunisia : tesi di master
Rynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier is the most serious pest of Canary Date palms in the Near East and North Africa region. In Tunisia, this pest was recently introduced and is still under control in the northern part of the country. However, its threat to the dates’ sector is still prominent. Our study aimed to assess the efficiency of semiochemical-mediated technologies (pheromone trapping and Push and Pull strategy) and evaluate behavioural responses of the R. ferrugineus insect through laboratory assays. The pheromones tested did not show differences in the attractiveness of weevils; however, the formulation type influenced their durability and handling. Push and pull assays seem to be promising. As for attract and kill gel dispensers, the formulation needs to be re-assessed. Overall, the repellency laboratory assessment of P. halepensis and T.
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capitatus showed repellent potential towards R. ferrugineus with similar rates at doses of 20uL and 50uL, whereas, M. communis then E. citriodera were the least repellent at both doses. Females and males did not show any significant difference in reacting to the volatiles. These findings project us into interesting research areas as the improvement of the integrated pest management programs based on early detection and semiochemical-based techniques.
