Laboratory Evidence of 2-Isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine as a Male-Released Aggregative Cue in <i>Labidostomis lusitanica</i> (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

In spite of its incidence on pistachio trees, the chemical ecology of <i>Labidostomis lusitanica</i> (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) has been neglected so far. In this work, we provide the first evidence of a biologically active male-specific compound that may be promoting field agg...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Insects
Main Authors: Sergio López, Sara Rodrigo-Gómez, Enrique Fernández-Carrillo, Clàudia Corbella-Martorell, Carmen Quero
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-01-01
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/14/2/107
Description
Summary:In spite of its incidence on pistachio trees, the chemical ecology of <i>Labidostomis lusitanica</i> (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) has been neglected so far. In this work, we provide the first evidence of a biologically active male-specific compound that may be promoting field aggregation. Headspace collections through solid-phase microextraction from feral males and females reported the presence of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine exclusively in males. Electroantennographic recordings revealed that males and females responded in a dose-dependent manner to increasing stimuli of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine, with females overall displaying a higher response than males. In dual-choice tests, both males and females showed a significant preference for the compound in comparison to a pure air stimulus. In light of these results, the possible role of 2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine as an aggregation cue in <i>L. lusitanica</i> is discussed.
ISSN:2075-4450