Herbivory-induced plant volatiles from apple attract Archips xylosteana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract: Several species of leafrollers (Tortricidae) are important pests of fruit trees and are widely controlled by insecticide treatments by growers. However, due to their negative impact on the ecosystem, human health and the development of resistance, new alternative tools are needed. In our previous studies, we have shown that specific blend of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) released by apple foliage are attractive to conspecific adult males and females of Pandemis heparana and Pandemis pyrusana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) when used together with acetic acid. In this research, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of several blends of HIPVs previously characterized in apple trees with and without acetic acid as a binary lure to monitor tortricid moths.In 2018, a field experiment was carried out in an organically managed apple orchard of South Tyrol (Italy) with the aim to assess several volatile blends as moth attractants. Only few blends, but always in combinations with acetic acid, were able to attract significant numbers of Archips xylosteana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The majority of the caught individuals were males. To the best of our knowledge, the results of the present study provide the first non-pheromonal lure for A. xylosteana.