Abstract:In order to define the mechanism of host selection of jujube armyworm adult, Ancylis sativa Liu, the volatile chemical components from Muzao, Zizyphus jujuba and sour jujube, Z.spinosa, were analyzed using solid phase microextraction (SPME) and GC-MS. The EAG response, host and oviposition selection of adult A.sativa were tested with EAG and Y-olfactormeter. The results indicated that four components, ocimene, 2-Methyl-2-bornene, α-Farnesene and dibutyl phthalate, were identified in the volatile from Muzao and sour jujube during the sprouting period, but the relative contents of four components were different in two hosts. EAG response (millivolts) of adult A.sativa to the sprout of Muzao and sour jujube showed strongly high. In same host, the EAG response of female adult antenna was 3.3 times of male (P<0.01). The adults were intensely attracted by Muzao, but they were not obviously attracted by sour jujube. Meanwhile, the female adults were attracted more strongly than the male. A test of oviposition selection of A.sativa showed that eggs were obtained on Muzao more than sour jujube under controlled condition. The mean number of eggs per female laid on Muzao leaves was 307.9, which is significantly higher than those on sour jujube (182.9). The female played an important role in host-plant selection of A.sativa, and Muzao was preferred host of the armyworm compared to sour jujube.