Optimizing traps for ambrosia beetle monitoring: Types, colors, and placement heights in the pecan production system

Ambrosia beetles are a group of small wood-boring insects, also known as fungus-farming beetles. They can infest several woody ornamentals and horticultural crops, including pecan. However, information regarding the effective monitoring of this pest is still evolving. Optimizing trap design and placing them at the appropriate height for capturing ambrosia beetles is necessary to develop effective monitoring strategies. We monitored the ambrosia beetle population using four different trap types in multiple pecan orchards throughout the season. We will discuss our results on the development of effective trapping protocols, including the evaluation of different trap types, trap colors, and placement heights under field conditions. Additionally, we will discuss the major ambrosia beetle species associated with the pecan production system recorded during these studies.