Abstract:

Proagopertha lucidula (Faldermann) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), is a pest of economic importance in many regions of China. Volatiles from both sexes of P. lucidula and plant host were collected by aeration and the behavioural response of males and females was evaluated in laboratory. The results show that the communication in P. lucidula is mediated by sex pheromone and host plant volatiles. The attraction of host plant volatiles to males was increased by the addition of female volatiles. Release of female volatiles is dependent on the presence of the plum flowers as the amount of compounds differs significantly when volatiles are collected from the female with or without access to plum flowers. At least one female-specific compound were detected in the chromatographic analysis that provided chemical support to the behavioural data. A peak of release of the female volatile showes between 4 and 6 hr after its beginning of photophase.