Electroantennogram responses ofScolytus multistriatus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) to its pheromone components and to associated compounds

Abstract

Electroantennograms were recorded fromScolytus multistriatus in response to 4-methyl-3-heptanol, the four geometric isomers of multistriatin, and cubeb oil. Charateristic dose-response curves for response amplitude and the time required for the voltage trace to return to 1/2 baseline (recovery rate) were established. Recovery rates were significantly more rapid following stimulation with 4-methyl-3-heptanol or cubeb oil than with the multistriatin isomers. At most intensities, α-multistriatin, the isomer that evokes behavioral response, gave significantly larger EAGs with significantly longer recovery rates than the other isomers. Results of differential adaptation experiments suggested that 4-methyl-3-heptanol interacted with the processes involving multistriatin and cubeb oil activity. However, cross-activity of acceptors for these compounds seems unlikely; single sensillum recordings are needed to ascertain the response spectra for individual receptor neurons.