Field evaluation of CLB as an attractant for beneficial parasitoid wasps attacking mealybug pests

Cyclolavandulyl butyrate (CLB, thereafter) is a chemical compound discovered by chance during the synthesis process of the sex pheromone of a serious pest mealybug, Planococcus kraunhiae. Notably, it is known that CLB strongly attracts natural enemy parasitoid wasps such as Anagyrus spp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) attacking the pest mealybug. However, it was not clear what species of Anagyrus parasitoids were exactly attracted with CLB trapping, partly due to taxonomic problems. In the present study, we first confirmed whether CLB attracted Anagyrus spp. and then examined the species composition of the parasitoids in relation to localities, seasons and habitat types. Our surveys showed the attraction of A. subalbipes and A. sawadai to CLB traps; both species occurred widely and commonly in orchards though the former was much more abundant in traps. They were few in early spring but increased the populations as the season went on. A. sawadai showed a habitat preference to the cedar tree shelterbelt but A. subalbipes was mostly found in perssimon and apple orchards. We discuss the usefulness of CLB trapping systems in monitoring beneficial parasitoids in IPM of pest mealybugs.