Bioactive volatile compounds from Penicillium digitatum-infected apples: Oviposition attractants for yellow peach moth Conogethes punctiferalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Introduction Plant-associated microbes critically shape the dynamics of plant-and insect-associated communities. In previous studies, we reported that yellow peach moth Conogethes punctiferalis (YPM) preferred to Penicillium digitatum-infected apples (PDA) for oviposition. However, underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Methods present study, behavioral and physiological experiments were conducted determine how P. digitatum affects oviposition selection mated YPM females via altering host plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Results Mated attracted laid more eggs on PDA than non-infected (NIA), mechanically damaged (MDA), in potato dextrose agar medium (PPD) experiments. Four-arm olfactometer assays further confirmed odors responsible attractiveness females. Further analyses showed 38 VOCs collected identified from all treatments by GC-MS, with five specific (methyl 2-methylbutyrate, styrene, methyl caproate, butyl caprylate, n -tetradecane) emitting PDA. A principal component analysis (PCA) based absolute contents revealed a clear separation NIA, MDA, PPD. Moreover, when digitatum- induced added individual or synthetic blends, there was significantly higher percentage blends consisting -tetradecane Y-tube experiments, suggesting these three acted as predominant olfactory signals Discussion Taken together, microbe an important driver interactions between YPMs plants volatiles. These findings may form basis developing attractant baits field trapping future.