Plant volatile organic compounds attractive to Lygus pratensis

Lygus pratensis, an important agricultural pest, is seriously detrimental to cotton in China. For the research and development of attractants, the present study screened and identified plant volatiles with activity against the pest. Out of the total 20 volatiles identified from seven hosts, 16 volatiles were selected and evaluated. Electrophysiological test results revealed the highest electroantennogram values of heptacosane, heptadecane, decanal, (E)-4-hexen-1-ol, dodecane, β-pinene, and cis-3-hexenyl isovalerate on adult insects. A significant difference in the behavior of female adults (P < 0.01) was noted in the trend behavioral tests when the concentration of heptacosane, nonadecane, heptadecane, decanal, 3-hexen-1-ol, and dodecane was 10(−3) (V/V), and that of β-pinene was 10(−4) (V/V). The field trapping test confirmed a significant difference in the trapping effect of heptadecane at 10(−2) (V/V) and 10(−3) (V/V), decanal at 10(−1) (V/V) and 10(−3) (V/V), β-pinene at 10(−2) (V/V), and dodecane at 10(−4) (V/V) compared to that of other volatiles (P < 0.05). These findings suggested the strong attractant effect of heptadecane, dodecane, decanal, and β-pinene on adults, indicating their potential application as effective attractants for the ecological control of L. pratensis.