ARS discovers lacewing attractant compound

Researchers at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service discovered a compound that attracts lacewings, a beneficial insect used by growers.

Chemist Kamal Chauhan and entomologist Jeffrey Aldrich were testing a chemical compound they’d separated from catnip oil for its potential as an insect repellent. Instead they found a lacewing “cologne.”

Chauhan created a patent-pending method for separating compounds from catnip oil, which offers an economical way to make large amounts of the desired compounds.

The lacewing attractant is potent -- just 25 milligrams is sufficient to treat an acre of land. Results from a 2-year field study show the compound attracts both male and female lacewings, which later produce another generation of beneficial predators.

“Conceivably, if a farmer were to apply the compound as a lure, a local population of lacewings could be established naturally,” Chauhan said.

The attractant is environmentally benign and remains active for five weeks.

Chauhan is working with Sterling International in Spokane, Wash., to commercialize formulations that attract specific beneficials.

{sidebar id=2}

For more: Kamal Chauhan, ARS, (301) 504-5166; chauhank@ba.ars.usda.gov.