Field response of elm bark beetles to baits containing 4-methyl-3-heptanone

The behaviour of the elm bark beetles, Scolytus scolytus and S. multistriatus , two vectors of Dutch elm disease, is influenced by beetle- and host(elm)-produced volatiles, including attractant stereoisomers of 4-methyl-3-heptanol and the synergist, (-)- alpha -cubebene(1). Recently, the authors identified a related beetle metabolite, 4-methy-3-heptanone, which is produced by male S. scolytus and female S. multistriatus . Electrophysiological studies and laboratory bioassays indicated that this substance is biologically active towards S. scolytus . They now describe the field response of both Scolytus species to baits releasing ( plus or minus )-4-methyl-3-heptanone in combination with ( plus or minus )-4-methyl-3-heptanol and (-)- alpha -cubebene.