Role of Herbivore-induced Plant Volatiles in Foraging Strategy of Coccinella septempunctata

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate the attractiveness of some plant volatiles to adult Coccinella septempunctata beetles using a Y-tube lactometer. The results showed that the majority of the adult beetles preferred stimuli that were made up of methyl salicylate, (-)-trans-caryophyllene, and cis-3-hexenyl acetate. These chemicals elicited a far bigger response compared to the other stimuli that were used. The study shows that these specific plant volatiles are what bring about the attraction of C. septempunctata beetles. The finding contributes to our understanding of ecological processes in predator-prey interactions and ladybird foraging behaviour. Further, the isolated attractive chemicals have applied uses in pest management systems by exploiting natural predator attraction to specific plant volatiles. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the chemical ecology of C. septempunctata and the practical importance of using natural attractants in integrated pest management systems.