Short Communication. A simple method for trapping Hylobius abietis (L.) alive in northern Spain

Abstract

Hylobius abietis (L.) is the most economically important pest of coniferous seedlings in clear-cut areas in Europe. Adult weevils cause extensive damage by feeding on the bark of newly planted seedlings on clear felled coniferous stands. During the last 20 years, several studies have tried to find an effective method for trapping H. abietis in north Europe, but there is no information for the warmer countries of southern Europe. In this study, α-pinene and turpentine in combination with ethanol as attractants, and pine bark or pine branches as trap substrate were used to trap alive H. abietis in NW Spain. The combination of α-pinene and ethanol obtained nearly 7-fold greater captures than the control. However, there were no significant differences between α-pinene and turpentine. The catches were also significantly affected by the substrate used in the traps. Fresh pine bark impregnated with turpentine and ethanol achieved nearly 11-fold greater captures than branches as substrate. The use of pine bark plus turpentine (40 mL) and ethanol (20 mL) appeared as an effective and cheap alternative to capture H. abietis in Spain.