NSF Award
9407576
9407968 Pearson ABSTRACT A quantitative investigation of the physiological and behavioral responses of females of two moth species is proposed. The species are the grape root borer (Vitacea polistiformis Harris) and the squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae Harris), both members of the lepidopteran Family Sesiidae. The two species under investigation are the first insects to have female responses to synthetic pheromones documented in the field. Changes in female behavior under pheromone treatments have been postulated as a new mechanism for resistance to mating disruption. If altered female behavior under pheromone treatments increases the probability of mating, and if these behavior changes are heritable, a potential disruption resistance selection may exist. Sesiids are unique in that they have highly similar pheromone blends, and cross species attraction is known. Thus, the proposed research also has evolutionary interest relating to questions of reproductive isolation and evolution of mating systems. Lastly, both insects under investigation are serious plant pests that are not controlled by either chemical or biological controls in North Carolina or other areas on the East Coast. Mating disruption may be the only method by which to achieve a satisfactory level of control can be achieved in the Southeastern United States.
