Behavioural and electrophysiological responses to overlooked female pheromone components in the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

摘要: The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, has a peculiar sexual chemoecology, guided by both male- and female-borne olfactory cues, mostly produced in rectal glands. Despite the research on B. oleae female pheromones long history, only few components (mainly 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane) have been deeply investigated. Detailed evidences about chemical identity bioactivity of several others C10–C18 molecules glands are lacking. We conducted GC GC/EI–MS, identifying nine sex-specific chemicals an additional compound [ethyl(Z)-9-octadecenoate], less abundant females over males. Age-related production all compounds raised time. In 21-day-old females, it reached amounts from minimum 8.08 ng/fly (n-butyl dodecanoate) to maximum 87.19 ng/fly (ethyl hexadecanoate). EAG experiments, were perceived by sexes. Methyl hexadecanoate ethyl decanoate attracted males respectively. This is first report attracting conspecific Tephritidae. Our study sheds light involved chemoecology. Further ongoing test methyl as lures enhance sex pheromone blends used IPM programmes against thus improving control tools this key pest.