Miss Anna Kell Kell1, Dr Syed Z Rizvi1, Dr Bishwo Mainali1, Dr Soo Jean Park1

1Macquaire University Applied Biosciences, Sydney, Australia

Biography:

Anna Kell is a Master's student at Macquarie University's department of Applied BioSciences. Her research has focused on the management of insect species through investigating their chemical ecology and behavior.

Abstract:

The banana-spotting bug (BSB), Amblypelta lutescens lutescens, is a native and highly polyphagous pest insect that poses a significant threat to macadamia, avocado and other important horticultural crops in northern NSW and Queensland. Monitoring BSB is challenging due to its cryptic behaviour. The BSB affected horticultural industries have sought improvement in the commercially available lure-trap system that has shown inconsistent performance. This study aims to enhance the current lure-based monitoring system by investigating volatile compounds emitted by mating pairs towards development of an effective lure-based BSB trapping system. The collection of headspace volatiles was carried out for single males, mating pairs, and commercial lure and were analysed using GC- MS to identify the differences in the compounds. GC-EAD was used to confirm new compound(s) of interest. Bioassays were next conducted to confirm these volatile compounds for attractiveness to BSB, providing insights for lure formulation. Our study revealed a significant difference in the proportion of α-farnesene, a major pheromone component, between the mating pair and that of singe males. Based on the finding’s, formulated blends have been developed. Bioassays are currently underway, comparing the responses of both sexes to mating pairs versus single males, and the formulated blend versus the commercial lure blend. These findings highlight promising avenues for improving lures for BSB. The observed behavioural responses have implications for enhancing pest management strategies in horticultural crops, potentially leading to improved commercial applications.