AUTHOR=Natt Christian Neckie , Yi Chaoqun , Shi Longfei , Li Ruonan , Khashaveh Adel , Liu Wentao , Zhang Yongjun 
  
TITLE=Plant volatiles drive Spodoptera frugiperda behavioral preference to sweet corn
  
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
  
VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025
  
YEAR=2025
  
URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2025.1729374
  
DOI=10.3389/fevo.2025.1729374
  
ISSN=2296-701X
  
ABSTRACT=The Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a globally significant invasive lepidopteran pest responsible for severe crop damage, particularly to maize (Zea mays). In this study, we investigated the preference of FAW larvae and adults for regular corn (RC) versus sweet corn (SC) using a two-choice behavioral assay. Potential semiochemicals underlying this preference were isolated and identified through headspace volatile collection coupled with Solid-Phase Microextraction–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). The behavioral activity of identified differential volatile compounds was then comprehensively evaluated using electroantennography (EAG), a Y-tube olfactometer, and cage-based oviposition preference tests. Our results demonstrate that FAW larvae exhibit a significant feeding preference for SC leaves, while adult females show a marked oviposition preference for SC plants. Volatile profiling revealed four compounds consistently expressed at higher levels in SC compared to RC: hexanal, trans-2-hexen-1-ol, linalool, and β-caryophyllene. EAG recordings indicated that trans-2-hexen-1-ol elicited the strongest antennal response in FAW adults. In behavioral assays, FAW larvae showed significant attraction to all four volatiles at concentrations of 10 and 100 mg/mL. Similarly, adults exhibited significant preference for most compound-concentration combinations, with the exception of linalool at 100 mg/mL. The volatile compounds identified in SC present promising candidates for use in behavior-based disruption techniques, offering a more environmentally benign alternative to conventional insecticides for FAW control. These findings provide a scientific foundation for developing volatile-mediated strategies as part of integrated pest management programs against this invasive pest.