A kairomone forTrichogramma nubilale (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) isolation, identification, and synthesis

A kairomone that effects host-seeking behavior inTrichogramma nubilale Ertle and Davis, an egg parasitoid of the European corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), was isolated from moth scales of the European corn borer. The kairomone was identified as a mixture of 11,15-, 13,17-, and 15,19-dimethylnonatriacontanes. The three dimethylnonatriacontanes were synthesized, and bioassays showed that the 13,17 isomer was the most active in terms of klinokinetic and retention effects. The 11,15 isomer and the 15,19 isomer had some effect on klinokinesis, but they failed to effect retention of the wasps. The 13,17-dimethylnonatriacontane is considered to be the most important component of the kairomone.