Antennal and behavioral responses to putrescine and ammonium bicarbonate in the Caribbean fruit fly (Diptera: tephritidae)

Authors: Kendra, Paul; Montgomery, Wayne; Epsky, Nancy; Heath, Robert

Submitted to: Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/2/2009
Publication Date: 7/27/2009
Citation: Kendra, P.E., Montgomery, W.S., Epsky, N.D., Heath, R.R. 2009. Antennal and behavioral responses to putrescine and ammonium bicarbonate in the Caribbean fruit fly (Diptera: tephritidae). Florida Entomological Society Annual Meeting.

Interpretive Summary: n

Technical Abstract: A current trapping system for Anastrepha fruit flies uses a 2-component lure that emits ammonia and putrescine, both regarded as protein cues. This study used electroantennography and flight tunnel bioassays to quantify olfactory and behavioral responses of A. suspensa to vapors from ammonium bicarbonate and putrescine lures. Results indicate that (1) olfactory response of females varies according to physiological state, and (2) the putrescine component is responsible for the female-biased attraction observed with this system.