The influence of volatiles from rice panicles at different maturation stages on Oebalus pugnax behavior

Understanding the interactions between plants and insects is important to better manage pests in the field. The rice stink bug (Oebalus pugnax) (RSB) affects rice plants by reducing yield and quality of the grain. In rice-growing areas in US, sweep sampling is the main tool used to establish population levels and implement treatment thresholds. Strategies such as weed control, biological control and use of pesticides are potential ways to reduce source populations of RSB. Knowledge of the volatiles emitted by developing rice grains can help in detecting infestation. The goal of this study is to improve knowledge of the key volatiles emitted by rice plants that attract RSB. We hypothesize that the volatiles emitted by different maturation stages of rice panicles differ and we want to characterize the effect of volatiles on rice stink bug behavior.