Reproductive males of the Australian stink bug citrus pest, Biprorulus bibax, possess large dorsal abdominal glands (DAG’s) containing an aggregation pheromone ((3R,4S,1'E)-3,4-bis(1'-butenyl)tetrahydro-2-furanol, linalool, farnesol and nerolidol). Glasshouse and orchard studies showed post-diapause (pre-reproductive), reproductive and early diapause (migrating) B. bibax were significantly attracted to sites (bunches of citrus foliage/fruit or citrus trees) baited with the major component or a synthetic blend of the pheromone. Reproductive, but not reproductively inactive bugs, were also attracted to citrus trees baited with (E)-2-hexenal. B. bibax did not enter pheromone-baited cylinder or funnel traps. Pheromone-baited baffle/funnel traps positioned on posts 2m above ground level around a citrus block captured five bugs during a six week period during spring. Pristhesancus plagipennis is a large reduviid predator of B. bibax in northern areas of the citrus pest’s range. Adults of P. plagipennis have three median DAG’s with the anterior and posterior much larger in males than females. In Laboratory olfactometer and outdoor flight cage bioassays, female P. plagipennis were significantly attracted to calling males, male posterior DAG extracts and the (2R) enantiomer of the major component of the secretion, (Z)-3-hexenyl 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate. The male secretion also includes 3-methylbutanol, 2-phenylethanol, (Z)-3-hexenol, decanal, (E)-2-hexenoic acid and three minor hexenyl esters. Males were also attracted to the major ester. Females appear to produce a pheromone from their anterior DAG that attracts males at close range and may facilitate mating. The potential and prospects for developing synthetic aggregation pheromones of B. bibax and P. plagipennis as tools in a single or separate integrated pest management systems, are discussed.

Index terms: Biprorulus bibax, Pristhesancus plagipennis, baits, traps, integrated pest management

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