Host preference and plant volatile effects on black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus F.) behaviour

Abstract

Black vine weevil ( Otiorhynchus sulcatus F.) behaviour was examined based on host plant choice tests. Weevils fed significantly more on yew and strawberry than geranium and rhododendron in 4-choice tests, and laid the least eggs on rhododendron among the four plants. In 2-choice tests, weevils fed more on strawberry than on peppermint and yew. In no-choice feeding tests, there was no significant difference among the five plants tested. Weevils were attracted more to strawberry than to peppermint in olfactory assays by using the leaf disks and strongly attracted to volatile compound (Z)⁻³-hexen-1-yl acetate (from strawberry leaf) at concentrations 10⁻³ and 10⁻⁶ μl/ml. (Z)⁻³-hexen-l-ol (from strawberry leaf), (Z)⁻³-hexen-1-yl acetate and menthone (from peppermint) at the concentration 1 μl/ml significantly repelled weevils. Weevils fed significantly less on strawberry leaf disks which were treated with menthone at 1 μl/ml and 10⁻³ μl/ml than untreated strawberry leaf disks.