Abstract
The behavioural response of the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci biotype B, to the volatiles emitted by three different species of Callistemon (C. laevis, C. pallidus and C. phoeniceus) was assayed in still-air, and Y-tube olfactometers. B. tabaci adults showed a preference for C. pallidus, while C. laevis and C. phoeniceus were less attractive to the insects when compared to a blank control or to C. pallidus. Volatile organic compounds emitted by the leaves of the three Callistemon species were analysed by solid phase microextraction coupled with GC–MS. 1,8-Cineole was detected in high percentages in C. phoeniceus and C. laevis headspaces, while linalool was abundant in the headspace of C. pallidus. Because of this difference, behavioural tests in the Y-tube olfactometer were carried out also with 1,8-cineole and linalool. Adults of B. tabaci were attracted by linalool, while they were repelled by 1,8-cineole compared with pure air or linalool. These results support the role of these volatiles in the host plant selection process by a herbivorous insect and lay the foundations for the development of sustainable control strategies based on the manipulation of insect pest behaviour.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
