Kairomones, their optimum concentrations, and application techniques to enhance the parasitization efficiency of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Studies to identify effective kairomones, their optimum doses and appropriate application techniques with a view to increase the parasitizing efficiency of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii were conducted during 2005–06. Fresh hexane extract of Corcyra cepholonica (1%) + hexaeosane (0.3%) and C. cephlonica scale extract (1%) + nonacosane (0.3%) were most attractive and recorded highest egg parasitization (77.25% in both) when applied in impregnated rubber septa. The second effective kairomone was C, cephalonica scale extract (1%) + pentacosane (0.3%). Kairomone impregnated septa as dispensers proved better over paper strips. No significant difference in parasitizing efficiency was recorded between ochre and orange septa kairomone dispensers.