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Research article2003Peer reviewed

Attractiveness of fruit and flower odorants detected by olfactory receptor neurons in the fruit chafer Pachnoda marginata

Larsson MC, Stensmyr MC, Bice SB, Hansson BS

Abstract

We studied the attraction of the African fruit chafer Pachnoda marginata Drury (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) to banana and 34 synthetic plant compounds previously shown to be detected by P. marginata olfactory receptor neurons. The behavioral studies were carried out in a two-choice olfactometer, where the attraction of beetles to lures and controls was monitored in 30-min intervals during whole days. Monitoring of the attraction over time gave additional information when comparing relative attractiveness of different compounds. Seventeen of the test compounds, primarily phenylic compounds, fruit esters, isovaleric acid, acetoin, and some floral or fruit terpenes, were attractive to P. marginata. Compounds showing no attractiveness included green leaf volatiles, lactones, and several alcohols, but also phenylic compounds and esters. One case of blend synergism was demonstrated, as well as some examples of sexual dimorphism in attraction. The significance of certain compounds and receptor neurons for olfactory-guided behavior of phytophagous scarabs is discussed

Published in

Journal of Chemical Ecology
2003, Volume: 29, number: 5, pages: 1253-1268
Publisher: KLUWER ACADEMIC/PLENUM PUBL

      SLU Authors

    • Stensmyr, Marcus

      • Department of Crop Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

      • Hansson, Bill

        • Department of Crop Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

        • UKÄ Subject classification

        Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use
        Horticulture

        Publication identifier

        DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023893926038

        Permanent link to this page (URI)

        https://res.slu.se/id/publ/170