Kairomones and their use for management of entomophagous insects

A kairomone from adultHeliothis zea (Boddie) scales is an important factor in the host selection process ofTrichogrammapretiosum Riley. If the host density is sufficiently high (i.e., 1 egg/500 cm²) and higher), a complete coverage or solid treatment of kairomone spray may be the optimum for increasing parasitization rates, but this is not the case at lower host densities (e.g., 1 egg/2000 cm²). At the lower densities, the kairomone must be distributed in such a way as to retain the parasitoids in the target area without inhibiting their movement from one ovi-position site to the next. Simulated moth scale particles appear to fill this need since their density can be regulated to provide the optimum frequency of parasitoid stimulation and thus maximum rates of parasitization at prevailing host densities.Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae.In cooperation with the University of Georgia College of Agriculture Experiment Stations, Coastal Plain Station, Tifton, Georgia 31794. Accepted for publication November 21, 1978.Mention of a commercial or proprietary product in this paper does not constitute endorsement by the USDA.