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. 2021 Dec;77(12):5498-5508.
doi: 10.1002/ps.6590. Epub 2021 Sep 22.

Design of ideal vibrational signals for stinkbug male attraction through vibrotaxis experiments

Valentina Caorsi  1   2 , Daniele Cornara  3   4 , Karen E Wells  1 , Damiano Moser  5 , Alice Berardo  6 , Roberto Miselli  7 , Michele Torriani  7 , Nicola M Pugno  6   8 , Marco Tasin  5 , Lara Maistrello  7 , Valerio Mazzoni  1
Affiliations

Design of ideal vibrational signals for stinkbug male attraction through vibrotaxis experiments

Valentina Caorsi et al. Pest Manag Sci. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Many groups of insects utilize substrate-borne vibrations for intraspecific communication. This characteristic makes them a suitable model for exploring the use of vibrations as a tool for pest control as an alternative to the use of chemicals. Detailed knowledge of species communication is a prerequisite to select the best signals to use. This study explored the use of substrate-borne vibrations for pest control of the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys Stål (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). For this purpose, we first identified the spectral and temporal characteristics that best elicit male responsiveness. Bioassays were conducted with artificial signals that mimicked the natural female calling signal. Second, we used the acquired knowledge to synthesize new signals endowed with different degrees of attractiveness in single- and two-choice bioassays using a wooden custom-made T stand.

Results: The results from this study showed that males were attracted to female signals along a high range of amplitudes, especially starting from a threshold of 100 μm s-1 , a high pulse repetition time (1 s) and frequency peak corresponding to the first harmonic (76 Hz). This resulted in an "optimal" signal for use to attract males, while the choice test in the T arena showed that this signal elicits searching behavior and attracts BMSB males towards a stimulation point.

Conclusion: We confirm the use of vibrational signals as a strong tool for behavioral manipulation of male BMSB and suggest its possible use in the development of field traps and further management of this pest. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Keywords: Halyomorpha halys; biotremology; brown marmorated stink bug; insects; playbacks; vibrational communication.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Cardstock arena used for Exp1c: dominance of the harmonics and Exp1d: pulse repetition time (PRT).
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
(a) Plywood T‐shaped arena with dimensions; the thickness of the lateral arms is 0.4 cm. The green circle shows the release point (RP), and the red circles identify the stimulation points (SP). (b) Results of the signal amplitude propagation by changing the source of the stimulus. Values are normalized to the maximum amplitude recorded on the arena.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Spectrograms (upper) and oscillograms (lower) of FS2 signals used in the playback experiments. (a) FS2‐76, peak frequency at the first harmonic (76 Hz). (b) FS2‐even, first and second harmonics are equal. (c) FS2‐152, peak frequency at the second harmonic (152 Hz). (d) FS2‐standard, PRT at 1.5 s. (e) FS2‐fast, PRT at 1.0 s; standard. (f) FS2‐Best, FS2 with 100–150 μm s−1, continuous play, 76 Hz and 1 s PRT. (g) FS2‐Worst, FS2 with 100–150 μm s−1, continuous play, 152 Hz and 1.5 s PRT.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Experiment 1: individual behavior according to different signal parameters tested (a) GLM model of the response of individuals to the amplitude of playback (μm s−1) with confidence interval (blue). (b) Continuity of signal emission. (c) Dominance of harmonics. (d) Pulse repetition time of signal. Silhouette of BMSB next to the percentage represents treatments in which individuals moved towards the emission of a signal. Letters (a and b) represent significant differences between treatments for each parameter tested.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Experiment 2: percentage of individuals that arrived at the signal emission target in each of the experiments. Silhouette of BMSB next to the percentage represents treatments in which individuals moved towards the emission of a signal. Letters (a,b and c) represent significant differences between treatments for each parameter tested.
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