Yang, X.G., Xie, Y.P., Xue, J.L., & Chang, X. 2006 Change in volatiles of Diospyros kaki L. f. damaged by Ceroplastes japonicus Green and their attraction to Chilocorus kuwanae Silvestri.. Chinese Journal of Applied and Environmental Biology 12(2) Serial No. 60: 215-219.
Notes: Diospyros kaki L. f. (Ebenaceae), which could release volatiles to attract a natural enemy ladybug after damaged by Ceroplastes japonicus Green (Homoptera: Coccidae), was studied in this paper. The result showed that 74.17% damaged twigs and leaves were found attracting Chilocorus kuwanae, and the undamaged ones were only 20.00%. The volatiles of D. kaki could be greatly changed and had a higher attractive ability to C. kuwanae when the host plant was damaged by C. japonicus. The compounds and relative contents of two volatiles were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrum (GC/MS). The volatiles from undamaged twigs and leaves were found with 29 kinds of compounds and 92.98% relative contents of hydrocarbons, and those from damaged ones with 32 kinds and 97.15%. Furthermore, 3 kinds of alcohol and 2 of hydrocarbon disappeared from the volatiles, and 8 new compounds were found, including 4 kinds of hydrocarbon, 3 of terpene and 1 of ketone. These new compounds possibly possessed biological function in attracting C. kuwanae. D. kaki was shown to release infochemicals to attract natural enemies after it was damaged. The result could be used in ensuring infochemicals, simulating attractant and exploring new approach in biological control.