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Scientist E1 Kerala forest research institute Peechi, 680 653 , Thrissur ABSTRACT Teak defoliator (Hyblaea puera Cramer) outbreak happens in teak (Tectona grandis) plantations with ten- der foliage. Present study identified biochemical and volatile profile of teak tender leaves as opposed to mature leaf in different seasons, so as to identify the cues detected by the female moth to identify tender teak leaves. In biochemical analysis, there was no significant difference in oil, ash, total sugar, reducing sugars and non reducing sugars. Six volatiles compounds were present in the tender foliage; while only two were found in the mature teak leaves. Tender teak leaves analyzed during pre-outbreak, outbreak and post outbreak showed the presence of six, six and one volatile respectively. Through this study it is understood that host plant recognition in Teak defoliator is mediated by the cocktail of volatile compounds. Development of the right combination of the volatiles and behavioral testing using it would open new avenues in controlling incipient outbreak.