----------------------------------------------------
Exerpt from:
>ARS News Service
>Agricultural Research Service, USDA
>Ben Hardin, (309) 681-6597, bhardin@asrr.arsusda.gov
>April 19, 1999
>
>For the first time, scientists have identified chemical signals that
>pineapple beetles heed to find food. The pests swarm to unusual airborne
>compounds made by microbes in addition to more common aromas emitted by
>decaying fruit.
>
>The discovery by Agricultural Research Service scientists gives researchers
>a broader view for finding ways to synthesize "calling cards" to most
>effectively trap various species of nitidulids, also known as sap beetles.
>Someday, traps that monitor nitidulids may be used by growers and shippers
>to decide whether to apply pesticides.
>
>Nitidulid control may become increasingly important with the advent of
>"green" methods to control other insects. For example, some sweet corn is
>genetically engineered with a protein to fight off caterpillars, reducing
>the need for insecticide applications. Nitidulids are undeterred by the
>protein. As use of insecticides that normally control both types of insects
>is discontinued, nitidulids may thrive and inflict widespread kernel damage...
>
>
>
>An article about the sap beetle research appears in the April issue of
>Agricultural Research magazine, available online at:
>
> http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/apr99/micr0499.htm
>
>Scientific contact: Robert J. Bartelt, ARS National Center for Agricultural
>Utilization Research, Peoria, Ill., phone (309)681-6237,
>bartelrj@mail.ncaur.usda.gov.
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