Differential electroantennogram response of male and female of Dysdercus cingulatus to okra plant volatiles

Abstract

Different chemical compounds were identified from okra plant by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) techniques. The male and female of Dysdercus cingulatus showed its characteristics EAGs response to okra extracts and to four common synthetic ((R)-(+)-Limonene, Methyl salicylate, Hexyl acetate and 4-Hydroxy-2, 5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone) plant compounds. Statistically no significant differences were observed in EAGs response between both sexes but the response of female was slightly higher than male. The response elicited by okra extracts was significantly higher than synthetic compounds. The dose-response analysis of selected compounds did not differ greatly in appearance according to the dose loaded on filter paper except (R)-(+)-Limonene. Electroantennogram study of D. cingulatus provides evidence that the antennal receptors were differentially sensitive to these compounds.