Identification on Key Volatiles Contributed to Oviposition Preference of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner, 1813) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) from High and Normal Oleic Varieties of Peanut

Simple SummaryThe Indian meal moth,Plodia interpunctella(Hübner, 1813) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), exhibited significant differences in oviposition preference between normal-oleic peanuts (NOPs) and high-oleic peanuts (HOPs). In this study, we found key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from NOP and HOP peanuts that were attractive or repellent toP. interpunctellafemales by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography/electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), and electroantennogram (EAG) analysis, as well as behavioral responses in Y-tube olfactometer and wind tunnel bioassays. The identification of key VOCs may provide a foundation for developing food-based attractants and repellents for pest control.The Indian meal moth,Plodia interpunctella(Hübner, 1813) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a primary stored peanut insect pest, exhibited a significant difference in oviposition preference among normal-oleic peanuts (NOPs) and high-oleic peanuts (HOPs). Identifying key volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are attractive or repellent toP. interpunctellais of great significance for the ecological management of pests. The profiles and contents of VOCs among NOP and HOP varieties were measured and compared, and key bioactive VOCs were further confirmed via an electroantennogram (EAG) analysis, as well as behavioral responses in Y-tube olfactometer and wind tunnel bioassays. Females prefer to lay eggs on NOP varieties more than on HOP ones. Acetophenone, nonanal, decanal, dodecane, 2,5-dimethylbenzaldehyde, and 4-ethyl-benzaldehy derived from tested peanuts elicited stronger antennal EAG responses. The results of the Y-tube olfactometer and wind tunnel bioassay showed that the relative high levels of nonanal, dodecane, and unique VOC acetophenone in NOP varieties have a significant attraction toP. interpunctella. Conversely, 4-ethyl-benzaldehyde and the unique VOC 2,5-dimethyl-benzaldehyde commonly found in HOP varieties exhibit notable repellent effects onP. interpunctella. These VOCs could contribute to the development of attractants or repellents derived from special peanut varieties for pest management.