Evidence of shoot fly Atherigona soccata Rondani (Dipt., Muscidae) oviposition response to sorghum seedling volatiles

Abstract

The effects of Atherigona soccata-resistant (IS 18551) and -susceptible (CSH 5) sorghum seedling volatiles on oviposition by the pest were investigated by exposing mated females to various treatments under greenhouse conditions. It is hypothesized that susceptible-genotype and younger (5-10 days after emergence, (DAE)) seedlings emit different quantities and/or blends of volatiles than resistant or older (14-21 DAE) ones. A. soccata response was greater to host plant odour alone than to host plant plus fishmeal. A transparent trap with 10-day-old susceptible seedlings was found to be more effective and efficient for adult attraction than the other two types of traps (live fly trap and black trap). The present study indicated that females of A. soccata are attracted both to the volatiles emitted by the susceptible seedlings, and to phototactic (optical) stimuli that may facilitate orientation to its host for oviposition, but volatile blends associated with adult attraction will be reported in due course to confirm these results

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