Host-location kairomone fromPeriplaneta americana (L.) for parasitoidAprostocetus hagenowii (Ratzeburg)

Chemically mediated host location in the eulophid parasitoidAprostocetus hagenowii (Ratzeburg) was investigated. In Y-tube bioassays 77.6% of female parasitoids responded to aPeriplaneta americana (L.) ootheca; parasitoids did not respond to air with no volatile stimuli. Frass from adult cockroaches was as attractive as an ootheca. Bioassay of one ootheca equivalent of five lipid fractions (eluted with hexane and 1, 5, 10, and 30% ether in hexane) from silica gel column chromatography indicated that the active component was a hydrocarbon. Further separation and bioassay of oothecal hydrocarbons by AgNO3-impregnated silica gel column chromatography indicated that the biological activity was in one fraction. Gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of this fraction revealed a single peak; this peak was identified by researchers in 1963, 1969, and 1972 as (Z,Z)-6,9-heptacosadiene. Qualitative and quantitative GC analyses of total hydrocarbons from oothecae, frass, and adult females were essentially identical; 6,9-heptacosadiene was the dominant hydrocarbon from each source. The alkadiene was 37 times more abundant in frass than on the ootheca. The volatilization of the alkadiene from oothecae was demonstrated by aeration and trapping on Super Q adsorbent. The current study is the first evidence for biological activity of (Z,Z)-6,9-heptacosadiene, a major hydrocarbon component on adult female American cockroaches, on their oothecae, and in their frass.