Flight phenology and trap selection for monitoring potential viral vector Aphididae and Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera) in strawberry (Rosaceae) fields of Québec, Canada

Abstract

AbstractStrawberry decline disease, predominantly viral in origin, was a serious threat to the strawberry (Fragaria x ananassaDuchesne ex Rozier; Rosaceae) fields of Québec, Canada, between 2012 and 2014. Our aim was to monitor the abundance and activity of the main insect vectors: the strawberry aphid,Chaetosiphon fragaefolii(Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the greenhouse whitefly,Trialeurodes vaporariorumWestwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). First, we compared the effectiveness of two trapping techniques, the yellow sticky trap and the yellow pan trap. Results showed that the sticky traps are more effective in capturing alates in flight. Second, we determined the peak flight period for each of the two vectors in several locations within the province of Québec. Results suggest that the peak abundance of wingedC. fragaefoliiis during the first two weeks of August, while the peak abundance ofT. vaporariorumis in the last two weeks of September. Overall trap captures also found 53 different species of winged aphids, and we documented a new distribution record on commercial strawberry fields in Québec,Aleyrodes spiraeoides(Quaintance) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Species composition and significant information of flight periods will be useful for the management of virus-transmitting insects associated with strawberry decline disease in Québec.