The purpose of this study was to examine various host and microclimatic influences affecting the survival and development of the flatheaded fir borer, Melanophila drummondi (Kirby) in Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco residues. It also expands current knowledge of the biology, bionomics, life history, ecology, and biotic potential for decomposition of forest residues by this insect. The primary study objective was to determine the optimum host and microclimatic conditions for development of the flatheaded fir borer by measuring the rate of beetle development with an index employed in other studies on forest insects. The monthly rates of development of larvae from clearcut and partial cut (shelterwood system) logs and from 15.6��, 21.1��, and 26.7��C controlled-temperature rearings were determined over the development season. Inner phloem moisture content and pH were monitored monthly from four quadrants (south-top, south-bottom, north-bottom, and north-top) on logs from each treatment throughout the season. Measurements of ambient air temperature and precipitation for the two field sites were used to correlate the microclimate of the host to these physical factors of weather. In addition, various other studies examined the relationship between inner phloem temperature and ambient air temperature on cloudy and clear days and also between logs of different bark thicknesses, and at the top and bottom of a log. Forest residues are attacked immediately after they become available from timber cutting or tree mortality in the spring and summer. Tops down to 7.62 cm in diameter are utilized by this beetle, although thinner bark of small diameter residues afford less protection from temperature extremes, parasites and avian predators than thick-barked residues. Eggs are typically deposited on the tops or upper sides of logs and residues by woodborers, and they also prefer clearcuts over partial cuts. Furthermore, larval densities are higher on the tops and sides of residues and on clearcuts, compared to other locations. The top portion and upper sides of residues are characterized by warmer inner phloem temperatures, lower moisture contents, and less acidity than the bottom half of logs and residues on the ground. In addition, clearcut logs are generally characterized by these qualities. Temperature and moisture differences around the logs are believed to affect the distribution of the flatheaded woodborers within logs. Although the flatheaded fir borer invades residues on both clearcuts and partial cuts, the clearcuts are preferred because of warmer temperatures. The rate of development is also greatest on clearcuts, and maturity to adult is reached sooner due to faster accumulation of heat units on these sites. The clearcut represents optimal conditions for development and survival of this insect. Larvae reared at three different constant temperatures in the laboratory failed to develop past the 3rd instar (pre-pupa), presumably because of the lack of a cold period which is required to break diapause in this resting stage. Parasitism accounts for the greatest proportion of woodborer mortality. Other mortality factors include resinoisis, predation, and unknown causes. Various parasites were reared and identified as mortality factors, but Atanycolus longifemoralis Shenefelt was most frequently observed. Other parasites and predators are discussed in their role as natural enemies of the flatheaded fir borer. An accurate and precise linear regression method is described which enables the estimation of inner phloem surface area of larval galleries from measurements of the gallery length. Its use in estimating woodborer-caused deterioration in forest residue surveys is emphasized. / Graduation date: 1979

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1982. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 76-85). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis--Universitas Indonesia. / With a summary in English. Includes bibliographical references (p. 70-71).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Washington State University, December 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1987. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 42-47). Also available via the Internet.

A North American biotype of the old house borer, Hylotrupes bajulus (L.) was established from field and laboratory data. This biotype is based on differences in size and longevity of the life stages and on adult fecundity. N. A. females were observed to oviposit a mean of 165.1 ± 15.5 eggs in comparison to 119.4 (South African) and 105.2 (European). Oviposition period was 5.2 ± 0.5 days for the N. A. biotype and 3.9 and 12 days for the South African and European, respectively. Eggs of the N. A. biotype were smaller than those of the South African and incubation period (8.5 ± 0.3) shorter than both South African (14.0) and European (9-12). Development and comparisons of the pupal and larval stages are presented and discussed. Comparisons of the N. A. and European biotypes under similar temperature, humidity and nutritional conditions found no significant differences between biotypes. These results indicate that the biotypes have undergone little genetic change since their separation over 200 years ago. The old house borer is quite responsive to environmental conditions and the biological variation noted in field populations is attributed to non-genetic modifications of the phenotype. The high degree of biological flexibility noted in this species allows the OHB to inhabit marginal habitats and explains its present world-wide distribution. The OHB was successfully reared from egg to adult in 9-11 months on an artificial diet. An oligidic diet was developed and was composed of ground host tissue (southern yellow pine, Pinus spp.), purified cellulose, agar, and basic nutrients. This diet provided an adequate physical and nutritional environment as noted in the reduction in larval mortality and developmental period when compared to conventional rearing methods. Comparative nutritional, physiological and behavioral studies are now possible between larvae feeding on artificial diets and conventional wooden blocks. Observations of the adult mating behavior, fecundity, oviposition period and egg viability were reported under two mating regimes: single and multiple. Fecundity and egg viability were not significantly different between regimes. However, the number of egg batches, length of oviposition period and the longevity of adult females were significantly different. Adult behavior between regimes was not noticeably different. Males actively compete for females when other males are present and aggressive interactions are common. The practical and evolutionary significance of single and multiple matings is discussed. Consumption, growth, utilization and respiration by three weight classes of old house borer larvae, under 5 constant temperatures and relative humidity were studied. Wood consumption in all larval weight classes was greatest in the temperature range of 20° to 30°C and significantly reduced below and above these temperatures. Growth rates for small larvae were not significantly different among temperatures. Medium and large larvae recorded negative growth rates at 15° and 35°C. Wood utilization was greatest at temperatures of 20° and 25°C. Respiration rates were highest for small larvae. Small larvae were apparently more efficient at converting wood ingested to biomass at all temperatures. / Ph. D.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-07T19:20:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-10-22. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2016-03-07T19:24:05Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000858012.pdf: 1284178 bytes, checksum: cfce2de78690541ace8955e96d438bab (MD5) / Avaliou-se a atratividade de fêmeas colonizadoras da broca-docafé por voláteis de frutos de café em diferentes estádios de maturação (verde, cereja e seco) e condições (frutos infestados por broca, danificados mecanicamente e sadios) de Coffea arabica cultivar Catuaí Vermelho IAC-144, em condições de laboratório. A atratividade da broca-do-café por voláteis de frutos foi determinada utilizando-se um olfatômetro de quatro braços em testes comportamentais. A brocado- café apresentou preferência por voláteis de frutos cereja em comparação a frutos verdes, e por frutos secos em comparação a frutos verdes; não houve diferença significativa quanto à preferência entre os estádios cereja e seco. A broca preferiu voláteis de frutos cereja infestados por broca (dust/frass de coloração preta e todos os estádios de vida do inseto presentes) em comparação aos provenientes de frutos cereja sadios, e por frutos infestados em comparação a frutos danificados mecanicamente; não houve diferença significativa entre frutos sadios e frutos danificados mecanicamente. A preferência de H. hampei por frutos de café cereja infestados indica que, além dos voláteis produzidos pelo fruto de café, provavelmente estão presentes outros semioquímicos envolvidos no processo de localização da planta de café com frutos por essa espécie, muito provavelmente associados aos resíduos alimentares e fecais produzidos pelo inseto (dust/frass). Os resultados foram discutidos em termos da importância de voláteis liberados por frutos cereja, secos, infestados por broca e dust/frass / It was evaluated the attractiveness of colonizing females of the coffee berry borer (CBB) by coffee berries volatiles at different stages of ripeness (green, ripe and dry) and conditions (infested by CBB, mechanically damaged and healthy berry) of Coffea arabica Catuaí Vermelho IAC-144, under laboratory conditions. The attractiveness of CBB females by berries volatiles was determined using a four-arm olfactometer in behavioral bioassays. The CBB showed preference by ripe berries volatiles compared to the green ones, and by dry berries compared to green ones; there was no significant difference in preference between ripe and dry stages. The CBB preferred volatiles of ripe infested berries (black dust/frass and all life stages of the insect present) compared to those from healthy ripe berries, and by infested berries compared to mechanically damaged berries; there was no significant difference between healthy and mechanically damaged berries. The preference of CBB by infested ripe coffee berries indicates that in addition to volatiles produced by the ripe berry probably are present other semiochemicals involved in the process of host selection for this species, most likely associated to dust/frass. The results were discussed in terms of the importance of volatiles released by ripe, dry, infested coffee berries and dust/frass

Orientador: Antonio Carlos Busoli / Banca: Nilza Maria Martinelli / Banca: José Maurício Simões Bento / Resumo: Avaliou-se a atratividade de fêmeas colonizadoras da broca-docafé por voláteis de frutos de café em diferentes estádios de maturação (verde, cereja e seco) e condições (frutos infestados por broca, danificados mecanicamente e sadios) de Coffea arabica cultivar Catuaí Vermelho IAC-144, em condições de laboratório. A atratividade da broca-do-café por voláteis de frutos foi determinada utilizando-se um olfatômetro de quatro braços em testes comportamentais. A brocado- café apresentou preferência por voláteis de frutos cereja em comparação a frutos verdes, e por frutos secos em comparação a frutos verdes; não houve diferença significativa quanto à preferência entre os estádios cereja e seco. A broca preferiu voláteis de frutos cereja infestados por broca ("dust/frass" de coloração preta e todos os estádios de vida do inseto presentes) em comparação aos provenientes de frutos cereja sadios, e por frutos infestados em comparação a frutos danificados mecanicamente; não houve diferença significativa entre frutos sadios e frutos danificados mecanicamente. A preferência de H. hampei por frutos de café cereja infestados indica que, além dos voláteis produzidos pelo fruto de café, provavelmente estão presentes outros semioquímicos envolvidos no processo de localização da planta de café com frutos por essa espécie, muito provavelmente associados aos resíduos alimentares e fecais produzidos pelo inseto ("dust/frass"). Os resultados foram discutidos em termos da importância de voláteis liberados por frutos cereja, secos, infestados por broca e "dust/frass" / Abstract: It was evaluated the attractiveness of colonizing females of the coffee berry borer (CBB) by coffee berries volatiles at different stages of ripeness (green, ripe and dry) and conditions (infested by CBB, mechanically damaged and healthy berry) of Coffea arabica Catuaí Vermelho IAC-144, under laboratory conditions. The attractiveness of CBB females by berries volatiles was determined using a four-arm olfactometer in behavioral bioassays. The CBB showed preference by ripe berries volatiles compared to the green ones, and by dry berries compared to green ones; there was no significant difference in preference between ripe and dry stages. The CBB preferred volatiles of ripe infested berries (black dust/frass and all life stages of the insect present) compared to those from healthy ripe berries, and by infested berries compared to mechanically damaged berries; there was no significant difference between healthy and mechanically damaged berries. The preference of CBB by infested ripe coffee berries indicates that in addition to volatiles produced by the ripe berry probably are present other semiochemicals involved in the process of host selection for this species, most likely associated to dust/frass. The results were discussed in terms of the importance of volatiles released by ripe, dry, infested coffee berries and dust/frass / Mestre

The formulation of Dursban®, manufactured by Dow Chemical Corp., and its diluting agent were found to influence the penetration abilities of the final spray when it is applied to pine sapwood. The diluent of choice for providing the best penetration of the active ingredient, chlorpyrifos, is an Oil-based carrier for the formulated product Dursban® WT. Dursban® TC, another product containing chlorpyrifos, will penetrate the wood surface better when diluted with water, not with an oil-based carrier such as kerosene. Residual amounts of Dursban® TC applied to pine sapwood will remain relatively constant six months after the initial treatment at depths of 400 - 600 microns below the surface. The wood moisture content (WMC) of treated pine sapwood did not significantly influence the penetration abilities of Dursban® TC at 7.5% - 8.0% and 14.5% - 16.0% WMC. A 1.0% water-diluted formulation of Dursban® TC applied to pine sapwood is predicted to be capable of penetrating the treated wood to a depth of 1320 microns. / Master of Science