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Volatile Sex Pheromone Extraction and Chemoattraction Assay in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: August 9, 2024
Dolichodial: a new aphid sex pheromone component?
Sarah Y Dewhirst1, Michael A Birkett, Jean D Fitzgerald
1Biological Chemistry Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK. Sarah.Dewhirst@BBSRC.ac.uk
Journal of Chemical Ecology
|November 22, 2008
Summary
Researchers identified new chemicals in rosy apple aphid sex pheromones. (1S,2R,3S)-dolichodial elicited responses, suggesting it may be a third component of the aphid sex pheromone.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Ecology
- Entomology
- Insect Behavior
Background:
- Aphid sex pheromones often contain iridoids like nepetalactol and nepetalactone.
- The specific composition of the rosy apple aphid (Dysaphis plantaginea) sex pheromone requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify additional volatile compounds released by Dysaphis plantaginea oviparae.
- To determine if these compounds function as part of the aphid sex pheromone.
Main Methods:
- Air entrainment was used to collect volatiles from D. plantaginea oviparae.
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified active compounds.
- Electrophysiological recordings (electroantennography) and behavioral assays tested responses of male aphids and parasitoids.
Main Results:
- Four electroantennography-active compounds were detected: nepetalactol, nepetalactone, (1S,2R,3S)-dolichodial, and phenylacetonitrile.
- (1S,2R,3S)-dolichodial elicited both electrophysiological and behavioral responses in male D. plantaginea.
- This is the first report of responses to (1S,2R,3S)-dolichodial in any aphid morph.
Conclusions:
- The study identified (1S,2R,3S)-dolichodial as a potential third component of the D. plantaginea sex pheromone.
- Further research is needed to confirm the role of (1S,2R,3S)-dolichodial in aphid reproduction and behavior.
