Synomone mediated behavioural responses of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens)(Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to cotton infested by Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Chrysoperta carnea (Stephens) is considered as an important predator against Helicoverpa armigera (Hii bner) and other sucking pests. The behavioural response of adult of C. carnea to the volatiles of plants infested by H. armigera was studied under laboratory conditions through electroantennogram and olfactometer. The adults showed good electroantennogram response to volatiles from flowers and bolls of cotton infested by H. armigera. Highest response was noticed to tbe infested bolls than flowers and leaves. In zone resident period studies, the adults spent distinctively more time in the zone 6 (nearest to source) when infested bolls were tested. In dual choice methods, significantly more number of adults reached the synomone arm than the control arm, when infested eotton bolls were tested. The response to infested leaves was very poor.