Electroantennographic Responses of Dryocosmus kuriphilus to Castanea sativa Leaf Volatiles

Abstract

Electroantennographic (EAG) responses from adults of the chestnut gall wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus were recorded on stimulation with a given dose of 22 volatile compounds previously identified from Castanea sativa leaves. All compounds elicited measurable EAGs. The largest EAG amplitudes were recorded in response to the oxygenated monoterpenes, α-terpineol and linalool, and the green leaf volatiles (GLVs), (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, (E)-3-hexen-1-ol and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol. EAGs to hydrocarbon monoterpenes and aromatics were generally weak. In preliminary Y-tube olfactometer bioassays the GLVs, hexyl acetate, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol and (E)-3-hexen-1-ol were attractive when individually tested compared to a solvent control suggesting their possible role in the D. kuriphilus host plant selection. Identification of host plant attractants is useful to develop semiochemically based pest control strategies of the chestnut gall wasp.