European Journal of Entomology (1993) 90, 435-438

W. Powell, J. Hardie, A.J. Hick, C. Holler, J. Mann, L. Merritt, S.F. Nottingham, L.J. Wadhams, J. Witthinrich and A.F. Wright (1993)
Responses of the parasitoid Praon volucre (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to aphid sex pheromone lures in cereal fields in autumn: Implications for parasitoid manipulation
European Journal of Entomology 90 (4), 435-438
Abstract: Females of the aphid parasitoid Praon volucre were attracted to lures containing synthetic aphid sex pheromone components, particularly (+)-(4aS,7S,7aR)-nepetalactone, when these were placed on water traps in cereal fields in autumn. Trap catches were greatest at a site in S.W.England and fewest at sites in northern England and northern Germany, presumably due to climatic differences. Responses to the pheromones were not detected for any other cereal aphid parasitoids in the field trials, although Aphidius rhopalosiphi appears to possess olfactory receptors for (+)-(4aS,7S,7aR)-nepetalactone. A potential strategy for the use of aphid sex pheromone lures to manipulate aphid parasitoids in the field, in order to enhance their impact on aphid populations, is outlined.
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Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
environment/habitat manipulation
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Aphidius rhopalosiphi (parasitoid)
Praon volucre (parasitoid)			Germany
Praon volucre (parasitoid)			United Kingdom