Effect of Olive Branch Aging and Extracts on the Attraction of Olive Neiroun Beetles Phloeotribus Scarabeioides (Bern)

Abstract

The response of the olive neiroun beetle Phloeorribus scarabeiuides (Bern) to the aging of detached olive branches at different periods of time was investigated in the laboratory using an olfactometer and in the field. Results showed that ten-day aged branches were the most attractive to the olive neiroun, indicating that semi-dried branches were more preferred than dry or fresh ones. Furthermore,  the efficiency of certain chemical solvents including n-hexane. Chloroform, acetone, methanol and distilled water in extracting the attractive substances in olive branches was studied using an olfactometer. Acetone extract was found to be the most efficient in attracting adults P. Scarabeioides. The study indicates that the olive neiroun may locate the stressed host trees or detached branches by olfactory perception of volatile compounds resulting from the stressed host tissues.