In order to reduce the presence of the pest insect Hylurgus ligniperda In radiata pine plantations in the country, researchers from INIA Quilamapu are working on the development of an aromatic bait capable of attracting this beetle. This innovative control system resolves the difficulties imposed by the adult insect, which, despite its 5 millimetres in length, perforates the bark of some trees and creates a system of galleries between the bark and the wood, where they develop and reproduce, weakening the structure of the tree, allowing the entry and action of fungi.
This makes the presence of this insect, also known as the blond pine bark beetle, a forest pest of economic importance that affects the main timber markets in the world, with a tendency to increase due to the alterations generated by climate change.
Originally from Europe and Africa, this tiny insect was first classified as a pest in New Zealand in 1970. In Chile, it was detected in 1985, causing concern in the forestry sector, which currently represents between 3 and 4% of the national GDP.
In Chile, the main host of this insect is the radiata pine, a species that occupies around 70% of the planted surface, from which various export products emerge, such as sawn wood and others with added value. However, in recent years these exports have been affected by the presence of the insect, which has driven the urgency of finding effective control methods.
Semiochemical technology
It is in the Chemical Ecology laboratory of INIA Quilamapu, in Chillán, where an innovative form of pest control is being developed. It involves the use of natural or semiochemical aromas that base their action on essences that are irresistible to this weevil.
The researcher and head of the laboratory, Ricardo Ceballos, indicated that “we are working on the development of a specific degradable bait for Hylurgus ligniperda which will release volatile compounds that are very attractive to this insect.” In this regard, the scientist said that the research is based on his own studies that demonstrated the attraction of this weevil to a type of volatile semiochemicals emitted by the radiata pine, a species that provides it with the appropriate sustenance.
The bait, which is currently in the validation phase, might be the first in the world exclusively designed to attract this insect. Ceballos explained that in other countries, generic semiochemical baits have been developed, aimed at all types of beetles, but that the challenge imposed on the Chemical Ecology laboratory of INIA Quilamapu was greater.
The researcher stressed the importance of achieving a good formulation, as in the case of bait, since it protects the semiochemicals from environmental factors, with the consequent improvement in their efficiency and prolongation over time. Regarding its characteristics of use, he said that the bait will be in capsule format, which will facilitate its handling, transport and storage.
This first bait for the control of this pine bark beetle is being generated within the framework of the project “Development of ethological and biological control for pine bark beetles”, which is funded by the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID), with the contribution of the local biotechnology company Biobichos and the collaboration of the Consortium for the Protection of Forest Phytosanitary Issues.
Ricardo Ceballos, forestry engineer and specialistA specialist in chemical ecology of insects, he highlighted that in order to identify the attracting compounds, electrophysiological and behavioural experiments were carried out in conjunction with chemical analyses, all of which made it possible to identify the volatile compounds (odors) that generate attraction or rejection in the insect. This gave way to the process of generating a formulation (bait) that, in the coming years, might be applied in forest plantations. and capture the insect.
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