Herbivore induced plant volatiles represents a favorable host to onion thrips (Thrips tabaci)

Onion thrips, Thrips tabacis Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an important pest of horticulture crops throughout the globe. However, there is a paucity of studies on its behavioral ecology in relation to herbivore induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). An attempt was made to study behaviour of T. tabaci towards HIPVs and healthy plant volatiles. Olfactometer bioassays revealed that T. tabaci significantly preferred HIPVs from conspecific infested onion to volatiles from healthy onion plants. Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of HIPVs and volatiles from healthy onion plants revealed substantial changes in their volatile profiles. Our study provides empirical data on signals HIPVs may provide herbivores and suggests that the role of HIPVs, mostly generalized as defense, may vary based on the interaction and must be studied closely to understand their ecological roles. It also provides basis for the development of kairomone based management strategies against this devastating pest.