Role of plant volatiles in host plant location of the leafminer, Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

Abstract

Abstract. The role of plant volatiles in host plant location of the leafminer Liriomyza sativae Blanchard was studied. Four types of antennal sensilla were identified on the funiculus by scanning electron microscopy: trichoid, basiconic, clavate and grooved sensilla. An olfactory pit, containing groups of sensilla, was present on the ventral side of the funiculus. No sexual difference was detected in sensilla diversity and distribution. In behavioural assays, both males and females were attracted by the odour of the bean Phaseolus vulgaris L. They had distinct EAG responses to the bean odour. No significant sexual difference was found in behaviour or EAG responses.Electroantennograms were recorded from female L. sativae to 14 plant volatile compounds. The most distinct EAG responses were obtained for: (1) the general green leaf volatiles 1-hexanol (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (E)-3-hexen-1-ol and its isomers, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, the acetate (E)-3-hexenylacetate and the aldehyde hexanal; and (2) limonene, a compound associated with tomato, which is a key host plant of this insect. Other volatile compounds associated with host plants, such as a-pinene, myrcene, b-caryophyllene, and eugenol did not elicit responses. The ability of this insect to locate a host plant appears to be augmented by the perception of a combination of host-specific and general green leaf volatiles. A modification of the EAG recording method of Dipteran species was provided.

Roles of (Z)-3-hexenol in plant-insect interactions

“…15,16 A agromyzid fly species Liliomyza sativae displayed a higher EAG response to C6-alcohols than to the alcohols with longer or shorter chains, and it also showed higher EAG responses to synthetic C6-alcohols (hexanol, (Z)-3-hexenol and (E)-2-hexenol) than to C6-aldehyde (hexenal) and -acetate [(E)-3-hexenyl acetate]; however, the geometric isomers of 3-hexenol led to similar EAG amplitude of leafminers. 17 Despite these advances in electrophysiological studies, behavioral bioassays in laboratories and in fields are essential for exploring the roles of (Z)-3-hexenol in the host selection of herbivores. It has been suggested for long that (Z)-3-hexenol can significantly reduce the preference and performance of aphids.…”

The role of plant odours in the leafminer Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and its parasitoid Diglyphus isaea (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae): Orientation towards the host habitat

“…1). Previous studies have shown that L. sativae were more sensitive to green leaf volatiles and other characteristic volatiles of the host plants (Zhao & Kang, 2002a). We suggest that the leafminer, L. sativae, employ both the GLVs and other characteristic volatiles of host plants in orientating to their host habitats.…”

“…Antennae of L. sativae were prepared using the method described by Zhao & Kang (2001, 2002a. The test insect's head was removed, and the tip of the arista was cut off.…”

Identification of plant semiochemicals and evaluation of their interactions with early spring insect pests of asparagus

“…Blends of volatiles were significantly different from one another among the treatments (ANOSIM: R = 0.308, n = 32, p < .0001). of mining fly, for example, the serpentine leafminer (L. sativae), had the greatest antennal responses to a variety of green leaf volatiles, including (Z )-3-hexen-1-ol, and (Z )-3-Hexenyl acetate, in the headspace of lima beans (Zhao & Kang 2002).…”