Plant volatile organic compounds affect the sexual behaviour of Anastrepha fraterculus males.

DF SEGURA

Seminario; ITTC Seminar; 2021

Plant secondary metabolites affect the sexual behaviour and sexual communication of phytophagous insects in various ways. There has been particular interest in the effect of phytochemicals on the reproductive biology of Tephritidae fruit fly males. In this presentation, we summarize results on the effect of phytochemicals produced by guava fruit on the mating behaviour and reproductive biology of the South American fruit fly, Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae). Our initial trials revealed that wild as well as laboratory males increased their mating success after they were exposed to guava fruit odours. Interestingly, contact with the fruit was not needed in order to trigger this phenomenon. Here, we will focus on understanding the basis of such preference, from a functional as well as an evolutionary perspective, but also considering the potential use of guava odours as male sexual enhancer in the context of the sterile insect technique.