Impact of volatile cues on foraging response of egg larval parasitoid, Chelonus blackburni Cameron

Abstract

Y-tube olfactometer study was carried out to observe the orientation response of egg-larval parasitoid Chelonus blackburni Cameron towards various concentrations of volatile cues emitted from three potato varieties and Phthorimaea operculella Zeller. Volatile cues were subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling to identify the signaling molecules present in the pool of volatile cues. Out of 16 selected volatile cues concentrations obtained from plant and host insect sources, 10 cues acted as significant attractant for C. blackburni. Volatile cues emitted from Kufri Surya in vegetative stage were able to generate highest stimulation in C. blackburni. Among volatiles obtained from larval and adult stage of P. operculella, adult cues were found to be more efficient in the alteration of foraging behaviour of targeted parasitoid. GC-MS of targeted cues revealed the presence of fifteen saturated hydrocarbons ranging from C 12 to C 54 ; varying in concentrations. Study specified that C. blackburni preferred cues could be exploited to enhance the host searching efficacy during Integrated Pest Management releases.