Evaluation of short-range attraction, oviposition, and feeding behavior of a generalist lepidoptera towards jute leaf surface wax chemicals

Spilosoma obliqua Walker is a major pest of jute and their control is challenging even today due to its resistance to various insecticides. Analysis of epicuticular waxes of leaves of these plants revealed 20 n-alkanes and 14 free fatty acids. Synthetic blend of four alkanes (n-C16, n-C18, n-C20, n-C22) and five fatty acids (C16:1, C16:0, C18:0, C20:0, C22:0) in leaf equivalent quantities from each jute cultivar demonstrates the highest olfactory attractiveness, oviposition preferences and larval feeding in S. obliqua. The leaf epicuticular wax mediated plant-insect interactions and offer insights into the development of sustainable pest control measures in jute cultivation.