Original paper

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) from companion plant could enhance predator recruitment and biocontrol of cereal aphids

Jiang, Xin; Zhao, Ling; Sergers, Arnaud; Chang, Chunyan; Zhang, Xingrui; Ju, Qian; Ge, Feng

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Entomologia Generalis Volume 45 Number 4 (2025), p. 1067 - 1077

published: Oct 20, 2025
published online: Sep 12, 2025
manuscript accepted: Jun 9, 2025
final revised version received: May 19, 2025
manuscript revision requested: Mar 31, 2025
manuscript received: Dec 12, 2024

DOI: 10.1127/entomologia/3224

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ArtNo. ESP146004504013, Price: 29.00 €

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Abstract

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) can act as signaling molecules mediating ecological interaction. The annual plant Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson may support populations of natural enemies, notably serving as a bridge habitat that helps predator migration to adjacent fields for pest control. The role of HIPVs recruiting Harmonia axyridis (Pallas Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and result in affecting the biological control of cereal aphids is partially documented. Here, we found that H. axyridis has a strong predatory capacity against Semiaphis heraclei (Takahashi Hemiptera: Aphididae), exceeding that of other ladybeetle species tested in predation assays. Behavioral assays showed that both male and female H. axyridis adults were significantly attracted to S. heraclei-infested C. monnieri, with females displaying higher sensitivity to aphid-infested plants. GC-MS analysis identified increased emissions of specific HIPVs in S. heraclei-infested plants, particularly terpenes such as β-myrcene, which was found to attract H. axyridis at moderate concentrations (200 μg/mL). Further homology modeling revealed that β-myrcene and (cis)-3-hexenyl acetate binds effectively to H. axyridis odorant-binding proteins (HaxyOBPs), with molecular docking studies identifying key residues involved in ligand interactions. These findings suggest that S. heraclei-infested C. monnieri emits HIPVs, especially β-myrcene, that enhance the attraction of H. axyridis and support natural pest regulation. This study provides insights into the mechanisms of tri-trophic interactions, offering a foundation for using functional plants in pest management strategies of crops.

Keywords

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles •
Harmonia axyridis
•
Cnidium monnieri
• odorant binding proteins • tri-trophic interactions • semiochemicals