Screening and Identification of two repellent active volatiles to Hyphantria cunea

Abstract

The repellent tree species or their volatiles of Hyphantria cunea can be used for "push and pull strategy" integrated control to improve the capture to H. cunea in the wild. The response of H. cunea to repellent tree species and volatiles was determined using insect electrophysiological technique and Y-tube olfactometer test. H. cunea 5th, 6th instar larvae and virgin females were significantly more repulsive to the branches of Larix gmelinii and Syringa oblata than to blank control (P<0.05). Two mutual antennal active volatile compounds (α-pinene and (+)-limonene) from the branches of two tree species were identified by gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection/mass spectrometry (GC-EAD/MS) and electroantennography (EAG) responses of H. cunea females and males existed significant dose-dependent relationship (P<0.05). The highest EAG response value was induced at the highest concentration (100 µL/mL). In addition, 2 volatile compounds (100 µL/mL) had significant repellent effects on H. cunea 4-6th instar larvae and adults (P<0.05), and could notably inhibit the host (Salix matsudana) selection of 5th and 6th instar larvae and both sex adults (P<0.05). In conclusion, α-pinene and (+)-limonene as potential candidates can repellent H. cunea 4-6th larvae or adults, and play an important role in effective green prevention and control.