Flight behavior of Macrocentrus grandii Goidanich (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a specialist parasitoid of European corn borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): factors influencing response to corn volatiles

Extracts of corn volatiles, isolated using Tenax, elicited flight initiation, upwind anemotaxis, casting, landing, and ovipositor unsheathing behaviours in M. grandii. Leaf and husk volatiles were attractive, while kernel, silk, and tassel volatiles were not. Males and newly emerged females were not attracted. After 4 d, flight response in females increased with age. Attraction was also enhanced after females were provided the opportunity to oviposit in corn-fed European corn borers Ostrinia nubilalis possibly through the process of associative learning. Corn volatiles thus have potential for use for increasing parasitism of European corn borer by M. grandii. -from Authors