Males of Dalbulus maidis Attract Females Through Volatile Compounds with Potential Pheromone Function: A Tool for Pest Management

Insects use chemical compounds to communicate with conspecifics and other organisms. The corn leafhopper, <i>Dalbulus maidis</i> (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) (DeLong & Wolcott), is an important pest in Brazilian maize crops due to its role as a vector of phytopathogens. Despite its economic importance, the chemical communication between sexes in this species remains to be elucidated. This research aimed to unveil whether <i>D. maidis</i> produces chemical compounds that influence the behavior of the opposite sex and may act as sex pheromones. To evaluate the influence of these volatiles, olfactometer bioassays were conducted as dynamic headspace volatile collections from live insects. Results showed that both male and female leafhoppers emit volatile compounds; however, no sex-specific compounds were detected. Females were attracted to male odors and male aeration extracts, suggesting males produce sex-specific volatiles. Interestingly, males avoided odors from non-acclimated females, which may indicate possible alarm pheromone release. Although the compounds were not identified, this is the first study to demonstrate intraspecific chemical communication in <i>D. maidis</i> mediated by volatiles, and the first such record in Membracoidea. These results contribute to understanding the pest's biology and support the development of monitoring and control strategies in maize crops.