Project Number: 1275-22000-191-06
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Sep 23, 1999
End Date: Sep 22, 2004

Objective:
Develop chemical lures and trapping techniques for the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae).

Approach:
In recent years the pink hibiscus mealybug (PHM) (Pseudococcidae: Maconellicoccus hirsutus) reached the West Indies from its native region of Africa. The PHM is a serious pest of fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals. Now that this pest has been detected in California even before the expected entry of the pest into Florida there is heightened urgency to identify and synthesize its pheromones. Lures to bait traps for the PHM are needed to more efficiently detect infestations and to intercept future introductions of these pests. Aeration samples will be prepared from virgin PHM females. These extracts will be tested using gas chromatography electroantennogram detector techinques (GC-EAD) to pin-point likely active pheromone components. In addition, the ICEL will attempt to identify compounds (e.g. by GC-mass spectrometry, NMR, and other spectral means) that are implicated as pheromone components for PHM.

Project Team

Aldrich, Jeffrey Galen Dively - Professor, Entomology 301-504-8531

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001   FY 2000