Effect of allyl isothiocyanate on field behavior of crucifer-feeding flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

When water traps baited with allyl isothiocyanate (AIC)diffusing through polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber membranes were used to monitor four species of crucifer-feeding flea beetle adults in a rutabaga field at L'Assomption, Que. in 1980-1981, differential responses to AIC were observed.Phyllotreta cruciferae was more attracted to AIC thanP. striolata, whereas the behavior ofPsylliodes punctulata was not affected by the presence of AIC. The traps with the PVC membrane caught significantly more flea beetles than the traps with the rubber membrane in 1980, but caught a similar number in 1981. Sticky traps covered with AIC mixed with Tangletrap® caught significantly more flea beetles than control sticky traps.