ARS | Publication request: Electroantennography for development of food-based attractants for pest Tephritidae.

Submitted to: International Congress of Entomology
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: March 10, 2008
Publication Date: July 6, 2008
Citation: Kendra, P.E., Montgomery, W.S., Epsky, N.D., Heath, R.R. 2008. Electroantennography for development of food-based attractants for pest Tephritidae.. International Congress of Entomology.

Technical Abstract: Anastrepha fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are serious pests of vegetable and fruit crops throughout the American tropics and subtropics. Current trapping systems utilize synthetic lures which emit ammonia and other attractant chemicals that function as protein feeding cues. However, field captures are variable with synthetic lures, and this variability does not appear to be related solely to ammonia release rate. The need for improved attractants prompted research using electroantennography (EAG), a technique which measures response of antennal olfactory receptors to volatile chemical stimuli. Methods: Anastrepha suspensa of known age and physiological state were used for EAG analyses. Antennae were presented with quantified chemical samples in vapor form. Upon binding with specific olfactory receptors, test chemicals evoked a measurable electrical response (an EAG spike) which represents summation of multiple receptor potentials. Analysis of the amplitude of EAG spikes provided information on appropriate doses and combinations of chemicals needed to elicit optimal antennal response. Results: EAG response of A. suspensa was quantified for ammonia, carbon dioxide, putrescine, and a series of diamines homologous to putrescine. Quantitative EAG identified factors which contribute to the variability in fly response to food-based attractants, including sex, age, nutritional requirements, and reproductive status. EAG also identified potential new fruit fly attractants. Conclusions: Information from EAG analysis will be used to determine the relationship between antennal sensitivity to fruit fly attractants and efficacy of those compounds when deployed in traps for pest Anastrepha species.