Effect of Trichosanthes anguina L. flower surface wax chemicals as short-range attractants and oviposition stimulants in Diaphania indica (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Larvae of Diaphania indica (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) feed on flowers of Trichosanthes anguina L., and reduce crop production. Therefore, we have tried to find whether flower surface wax chemicals (alkanes and free fatty acids) of three T. anguina cultivars [MNSR-1 (MNS), Baruipur Long (BAR), and Polo No. 1 (POLO)] could act as short-range attractants and oviposition stimulants in females of D. indica. One mg flower surface wax of these cultivars acted as attractants in short Y-tube olfactometer bioassays and stimulated oviposition in females. A synthetic blend of nonadecane, pentacosane, and palmitoleic acid, a synthetic blend of pentacosane and palmitoleic acid, and a synthetic blend of pentacosane and oleic acid in amounts comparable to those present in 1 mg flower surface wax of MNS, BAR, and POLO cultivars, respectively, served as short-range attractants and oviposition stimulants in D. indica. Females exhibited equal egg-laying behavior towards these three synthetic blends when these blends were tested against one another, and hence, these blends could be used as lures in developing baits for traps in pest management strategies.