Tritrophic relations between plants, phytophagous insects and beneficials are based on the presence of chemical cues in the environment. In this context, honeydew (the aphid excretory product), rich in sugars and amino-acids, constitutes a nutritional resource for beneficials but also acts as a volatile and a contact kairomone. On one hand, honeydew volatile chemicals cues guide beneficials to a food source, hosts or preys but also stimulate particular behaviors : searching, preys/hosts locations and attacks. On the other hand, a contact with honeydew induces the oviposition especially for syrphids (Episyrphus balteatus, …). The use of an artificial honeydew could be a way for enhancing the biological control efficiency in fields by increasing the number of beneficials but also the predation and parasitic rates.

Solaphid