Enhancing Biological Control: Unraveling the Impact of Salicylic Acid on Maize Volatile Emissions and <i>Spodoptera Frugiperda</i> - Parasitoid Interactions

Effective biological control of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a major pest of maize, relies on the attraction and efficiency of natural enemies such as parasitoids. This study investigates the role of chemical elicitors in modifying maize volatile emissions and their subsequent impact on parasitoid attraction to S. frugiperda when applied exogenously. This study hypothesises that chemical elicitors such as Salicylic Acid (SA), enhance plant defence responses by altering the blend of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) released by maize, thereby improving the recruitment of parasitoids. Using controlled laboratory and field experiments, we applied SA to maize plants and analysed the resulting changes in volatile emissions using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, the behaviour of the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma pretiosum Riley and its parasitism rates in treated and untreated maize were monitored. The results demonstrate that treated maize released a distinct VOC profile, leading to a significant increase in parasitoid attraction and parasitism of S. frugiperda. These findings suggest that the exogenous application of SA can enhance biological control strategies by promoting a more robust natural enemy response through modified plant volatile emissions. This eco-friendly approach offers a promising tool for sustainable pest management in maize production systems.