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Oleic acid emitted from frozen Trogoderma spp. larvae causes conspecific behavioral aversion

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Abstract

Accumulating evidence in the literature suggests that oleic acid functions as a necromone across widely divergent insect taxa. The prevelance of this phenomenon has not been fully explored, and its application to pest management remains underdeveloped. Khapra beetle (KB), Trogoderma granarium, is a pest of stored grains, with larvae that can enter facultative diapause and remain cryptic in warehouses. Here, we examine how death affects oleic acid content of Trogoderma spp. cuticular extracts, and whether the compound causes a behavioral response. To assess the generalizability of patterns, many experiments were repeated with warehouse beetle (WB), Trogoderma variabile, and larger cabinet beetle (LCB), Trogoderma inclusum. Extracts of larvae that were first killed by being frozen had greater oleic acid content than those derived from live insects. Two-choice behavioral assays compared responses of solvent controls to these extracts, at both low (~ 2 µg) and high (68–131 µg) oleic acid content. The natural extracts also contained cuticular hydrocarbons and other unidentified chemicals. High oleic acid in the extracts repelled the larvae of all three species. Lower levels of oleic acid did not affect KB and LCB movement, but were attractive to WB. We also performed the assay using a large range of doses of oleic acid alone. At the lower doses, oleic acid had no effect on movement, but it became strongly repellant at higher doses, beginning at 100 µg. These results indicate that necromones may be an overlooked aspect of stored product insect biology, which if further researched could improve pest management.

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Acknowledgements

Damon Crook of USDA-APHIS-PPQ provided assistance with maintaining equipment and other aspects of analysis of the extracts by GC–MS. Amanda Davila-Flores of USDA-APHIS-PPQ provided assistance with the rearing of the insects. Funding to support this project was provided through the USDA Agriculture, Quarantine and Inspection (AQI) User Fee program. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 1603 Old Claflin Place, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA

    Michael J. Domingue

  2. Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, Otis Laboratory, USDA, 1398 W. Truck Rd., Buzzards Bay, MA, 02542, USA

    Michael J. Domingue & Scott W. Myers

  3. Agricultural Research Service, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, USDA, 1515 College Ave., Manhattan, KS, 66502, USA

    William R. Morrison

  4. Agricultural Research Service, Plains Area, Office of the Director, USDA, 2150 Centre Ave., Blg. D, Ste. 300, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, USA

    Kathleen Yeater

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  1. Michael J. Domingue
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  2. William R. Morrison
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  3. Kathleen Yeater
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  4. Scott W. Myers
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Contributions

MD, WM, and SM conceived and designed research. MD conducted experiments. KY and MD analyzed data. MD wrote the manuscript. All authors read, revised, and approved the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Michael J. Domingue.

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Communicated by Günther Raspotnig.

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Domingue, M.J., Morrison, W.R., Yeater, K. et al. Oleic acid emitted from frozen Trogoderma spp. larvae causes conspecific behavioral aversion. Chemoecology 30, 161–172 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00049-020-00307-3

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