Behavioral Responses of Egg Parasitoids Telenomus remus and Trichogramma chilonis to Kairomonal cues released from Eggs and Wings of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith)

The Fall Armyworm is a highly polyphagous, dreaded insect pest belonging to the order lepidoptera. During this study we, evaluated in behavioral bioassays, female Spodoptera frugiperda moths and two egg parasitoid species were tested for their responses to maize plant volatiles. Based on the combined findings, both Trichogramma chilonis and Telenomus remus egg parasitoids rely on combined plant and host egg cues for optimal attraction. Experienced females of both species show a stronger preference for odours from oviposited plants over plants or egg cues alone.