Control of tea aphids via attracting the parasitic wasp, Aphelinus sp. with synthetic semiochemicals

The tea aphid ( Toxoptera aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe) is an important plant pest insect worldwide. parasitoid wasp, Aphelinus sp., one of the most natural enemies in China. Unfortunately, sp. alone cannot effectively control outbreaks under conditions. In this study, 27 volatile compounds from aphid-injured shoots, flowers, sex pheromones, or body rinses were selected and tested Y-tube olfactometer assays to find potential attractants Based on assay results, following three attractant mixtures formulated further field. Attractant-1 (HIPV-based) included trans -2-hexenal (10 −6 g/ml), β-ionone allyl isothiocyanate −4 -2-pentenal −2 jasmone g/ml) at equal loading volume their solutions. Attractant-2 (with sex-pheromone rinse compounds) nepetalactone 2,5-hexanedione benzaldehyde eicosane heptadecane Attractant-3 (partial combination Attractant-2) Field trials showed that was much more attractive parasitic wasps than Attractant-2. From late August September controlled release attracted parasitize colonize populations treated plantations, resulting a progressive decrease abundances/populations fall. continued enhanced parasitism overwintered aphids by reduced population during next spring harvest season. This approach may present environmentally sound, non-insecticidal tactic against using synthetic semiochemicals.