Development of attractants and repellents for Tuta absoluta based on plant volatiles from tomato and eggplant

Introduction Tuta absoluta is currently considered one of the most devastating invasive pests solanaceous plants worldwide, causing severe damage to tomato industry. Insects use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) locate host plant for feeding and oviposition. Those VOCs could be developed as lures pest monitoring control. Methods In this study, differentially accumulated between preferred (tomato) non-preferred (eggplant) were analyzed by GC–MS method, their roles on female T. selection egg laying behaviors investigated using electroantennography (EAG), olfactometer cage experiments. Results A total 39 identified in eggplant. Strong EAG signals obtained 9 VOCs, including 5 highly 4 Further bioassays showed that (1-nonanol, ethyl heptanoate, octanoate o-nitrophenol) attractive females, while (2-phenylethanol, 2-pentylfuran, trans,trans-2,4-nonadienal, 2-ethyl-5-methylpyrazine trans-2-nonenal) repellent, indicating from play important preferences. The activities 1-nonanol octanoate, well repellent trans,trans-2,4-nonadienal trans-2-nonenal, further confirmed Discussion two attractants repellents released VOCs. Our results useful enhance development eco-friendly sustainable management strategies .