(Z,E)-alpha-farnesene--an electroantennogram-active component of Maladera matrida volatiles

It has previously been shown in field-trapping experiments and laboratory olfactometer bioassays that virgin females of Maladera matrida Argaman (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) and their volatiles, both in the presence of food (cut peanut leaves), are efficient attractants for M. matrida males and females. In this study GC-EAD experiments using male antennae and GC-MS experiments revealed that (Z,E)-alpha-farnesene is an active component of M. matrida female volatiles. The identification and quantitive electrophysiological responses (EAG) of synthetic (Z,E)-alpha-farnesene were obtained with male and female antennae. It was also shown that (Z,E)-alpha-farnesene is not a component of the plant volatiles that serve as synergistic components of the mixture of attractants or of the source of food for M. matrida.