The behavioral response of the predatory bug Orius laevigatus Fieber (Heteroptera, Anthocoridae) to synthetic volatiles

Abstract

The behavioral response of the predatory bug Orius laevigatus Fieber to synthetic analogues of secondary plant metabolites was studied. Two compounds most attractive to the bug, methyl salicylate and methyl jasmonate, were identified by olfactometer experiments and pot bioassays. The use of natural volatiles or their analogues as attractants for beneficial insects can significantly improve the efficiency of biological pest control methods.