Comparative volatile profiling of mango (Mangifera indica) and its role in mediating chemoecological behaviour of mango pulp weevil (Sternochetus frigidus)

Ripened mango fruits, young leaves and mango stone elicited the strongest responses and were further subjected to headspace volatile collection. Ripened fruit volatiles induced the highest levels of attraction (63.33%), activity (86.67%) and preference (46.15%). Young leaf volatiles induced moderate attraction (46.7%) with high activity (83.3% but low preference (12%). Mango stone volatiles, in contrast, evoked minimal activity (6.7%) and preference (10%). GC-MS profiling of headspace extracts revealed nine compounds each from ripened fruits and young leaves and seven from stones, with D-limonene, 3-carene and α-pinene dominating across all treatments. These findings highlight key VOCs associated with host selection by <i>Sternochetus frigidus</i> and provide a chemical basis for developing attractant-based trapping systems as components within a holistic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach in mango cultivation.