Response of parasitoids Dendrosoter protuberans and Cheiropachus quadrum to attractants of Phloeotribus scarabaeoides in an olfactometer

The braconid Dendrosoter protuberans and the pteromalid Cheiropachus quadru m are two parasitoids of the olive bark beetle, Phloeotribus scarabaeoides. Several chemicals such as alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, 2-decanone, 2-nonanon e, decanal, undecanal, and n-butyl acetate have been identified as attracta nts in the laboratory for this scolytid. Under red light at 27 degrees C in a laboratory olfactometer both parasitoids oriented positively to both ena ntiomers of alpha-pinene, and females also responded to 2-decanone. Signifi cant responses did not occur under white light or at lower temperatures. Th ese results suggest that alpha-pinene and 2-decanone could be involved in t he location of P. scarabaeoides by its parasitoids. Consequently an attract icidal control tactic for this scolytid that included these chemicals could eliminate part of the parasitoid population. in an integrated pest managem ent program, this problem should be considered.