AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightTheorientation of predators to leaf volatiles of beech, mixed plant odour, honeysuckle and pinewas 77.77%, 75.55%, 73.77% and 64.44%, respectively.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Abstract: Biological control agents (natural enemies) use a range of volatile organiccompounds to locate their prey. The attraction of insects to plants and other host organismsinvolves detection of specific semiochemicals or specific ratios of these semiochemicals.The seven-spot ladybird beetle, Coccinella septempunctata, is a widely distributed predatorof several aphid species in diverse habitats worldwide. Pollen and nectar may serve asalternative food sources for coccinellids when aphids are scarce. In order to have a betterunderstanding of the effectiveness of natural enemy species, it is important to study theirforaging behavior and olfactory response. The objective of this research was to determinethe effects of volatile plant compounds emitted from artificially damaged plants on theorientation of C. septempunctata in a Y-tube olfactometer and 4-arm olfactometer. Theresponse of this predator to three plants (beech, pine, honeysuckle) containing limonenewas tested. Plants were artificially damaged to induce the emission of volatile compounds.The attraction of ladybird beetle was greatest and least to the odor of honeysuckle leaves(61.87%) and pine needles (7.07%), respectively, in a 4-arm olfactometer study. Theorientation of predators to leaf volatiles of beech, mixed plant odour, honeysuckle and pinewas 77.77%, 75.55%, 73.77% and 64.44%, respectively.