Field assessment of a sex attractant for control of grass grub, Costelytra zealandica (White)

Abstract

During the 1973 flight season of the grass grub beetle, Coatelytra zealandica (White), an attempt was made to suppress populations on small scale field plots by mass trapping male beetles using simple water traps baited with the synthetic sex attractant, Durez 12687. Populations were monitored before, during and after the trapping period by sampling the subterranean eggs, larvae and adults. Trapping extended for three weeks during which time large numbers of beetles were captured and destroyed, however, populations in the immediate vicinity of the traps were not reduced, an outcome largely attributed to the massive immigration of male beetles on to treatment plots and low trap efficiency.