IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Dr.  Bindu K. Jose; Dr.  V. V. Sudheendrakumar; Dr. T. V. Sajeev

Volume : III, Issue : II, February - 2014

Can Chemical Traps Manage Teak Defoliator Outbreaks? Indications From Teak Leaf Chemistry

Dr. Bindu K. Jose, Dr. V. V. Sudheendrakumar, Dr. T. V. Sajeev

Abstract :

Teak defoliator (Hyblaea puera Cramer) outeak happens in teak (Tectona grandis) plantations with tender foliage. Present study identified biochemical and volatile profile of teak tender leaves as opposed to mature leaf in different seasons, so as to identify the cues detected by the female moth to identify tender teak leaves. In biochemical analysis, there was no significant difference in oil, ash, total sugar, reducing sugars and non reducing sugars. Six volatiles compounds were present in the tender foliage; while only two were found in the mature teak leaves. Tender teak leaves analyzed during pre-outeak, outeak and post outeak showed the presence of six, six and one volatile respectively. Through this study it is understood that host plant recognition in Teak defoliator is mediated by the cocktail of volatile compounds. Development of the right combination of the volatiles and behavioral testing using it would open new avenues in controlling incipient outeak.