Effectiveness of different trap types for control of bark and ambrosia beetles (Scolytinae) in Criollo cacao farms of Mérida, Venezuela

Abstract

Scolytid wood-boring beetles, especially Xyleborus spp., are among the most harmful cacao (Theobroma cacao) pests in Venezuela because of their mutualistic association with a fungus (Ceratocystis cacaofunesta) that causes cacao wilt. The Criollo varieties of cacao are very susceptible to pests and diseases. We tested the effectiveness of two kinds of trap for collecting scolytids: bottle traps with windows (situated at 1 m and 3 m above ground level) and funnel traps, placed in a cacao farm south of Maracaibo Lake, Mérida state. Funnel traps collected significantly more individuals than bottle traps. The scolytid assemblages collected by each kind of trap were dissimilar, having only 60% of species in common.