Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of Virgin Female Bactrocera tryoni to Microbial Volatiles from Enterobacteriaceae

The Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni) is a major polyphagous pest widespread in Australia and several Pacific Islands. Bacteria present on the host plant phyllosphere supply proteins, essential for egg development female sexual maturity. We investigated role of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) emitted by Enterobacteriaceae commonly found gut attracting virgin females. were cultured artificial media natural fruits, at various pH, MVOCs collected using different headspace absorbent materials. olfactory responses females to bacterial assessed via electrophysiology behavioral assays. production was strongly influenced qualitatively strain type media, it semi-quantitatively varied with pH time. Klebsiella oxytoca invoked strongest antennal response most attractive. Among identified triggering an response, D-limonene 2-nonanone both significantly behaviorally attractive, whereas phenol, nonanal, isoamyl alcohol, some pyrazines appeared be repulsive. This study deepens our understanding chemical ecology between flies their symbionts paves way novel synthetic lures based specifically targeting