Elevated emissions of oviposition‐induced mango volatiles mediate foraging behavior of a parasitoid wasp, Fopius arisanus

BACKGROUND The parasitoid wasp Fopius arisanus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a solitary egg endoparasitoid of tephritid fruit flies. In this study, we identified the volatile released from the tree‐attached mangoes without damage and with oviposition by the oriental fruit fly ( Bactrocera dorsalis ) in field conditions, and investigated their roles in mediating foraging behavior of this parasitoid species. RESULTS Ten volatile compounds released by mangoes elicited electrogram responses in antennae or ovipositors of F. arisanus. Among them, α‐pinene, d ‐limonene, β‐myrcene, ( E )‐β‐ocimene and ethyl ( E )‐4‐decenoate, individually as well as in a blend attracted female wasps. Likewise, β‐myrcene, 3‐carene, ( E )‐β‐ocimene, terpinolene and ethyl ( E )‐4‐decenoate, individually, and in a blend attracted male wasps. For female F. arisanus, the blend and ethyl ( E )‐4‐decenoate are primarily detected through their antennae, whereas d ‐limonene and β‐myrcene are mainly perceived via ovipositors. ( E )‐β‐Ocimene appears to be detected by either the antennae or ovipositor, whereas α‐pinene is sensed through both organs. Significantly more female individuals landed on the oviposition substrate treated with Blend 3 compared to the paraffin oil control, and the number of wasps exhibiting oviposition behavior was significantly higher in the treatment group during specific time intervals. CONCLUSION The oviposition‐induced blend of mango volatiles [α‐pinene, d ‐limonene, β‐myrcene, ( E )‐β‐ocimene and ethyl ( E )‐4‐decenoate] mediates the foraging behavior of female F. arisanus , and serves as a targeted attractant to enhance its field performance against Tephritidae species.