Eucalyptus leaves essential oil compounds may be relevant to bronze bug (Thaumastocoris peregrinus) resistance/susceptibility

Bronze bug is one of the main eucalyptus cultivation pests worldwide. Even with so much damage, current control methods may not be suitable for all growing regions. However, it is possible to find some resistant genotypes to this insect in the field. Considering that some plants produce bioactive compounds which are antagonistic or attractive to insects, essential oils from Eucalyptus spp. clones' leaves, resistant and susceptible to the bronze bug, were extracted and characterized. A total of 117 different compounds were found. Among these, 30 compounds showed some type of expression of interest. The presence of some compounds may be responsible for the resistance or attractiveness to T. peregrinus attack. The results are presented and discussed below.