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