Electroantennogram and behavioral responses of Pteromalus cerealellae to odor stimuli associated with its host, Callosobruchus maculatus

Pteromalus cerealellae (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a generalist parasitoid of the larvae of many stored-product insects, including the cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), which live endophytically in cowpea seeds. The role of host-related semiochemicals in the host location behavior of this parasitoid was investigated using electroantennogram (EAG) and behavioral (olfactometer) techniques. Responses of mated and unmated female P. cerealellae were tested to a variety of host-related chemical stimuli including hexane extracts of uninfested cowpea seeds, (bruchid)-infested cowpea seeds, bruchid larvae (whole body or WB), larval frass, adult female bruchids (WB), and adult male bruchids (WB). All of the tested stimuli elicited significant EAG responses in unmated and mated female P. cerealellae, with mated females exhibiting a greater EAG response than unmated females to some treatments. Results from Y-tube olfactometer bioassays demonstrated a significant response of mated female P. cerealellae to extracts of uninfested cowpea seeds, infested cowpea seeds, adult female bruchids, bruchid larvae, and larval frass, but no significant response was elicited by the extract of adult male bruchids. Pair-wise comparisons of the four most attractive stimuli (i.e. uninfested seeds, infested seeds, bruchid larvae, and larval frass) in a four-way olfactometer showed preference of mated female P. cerealellae for the extract of uninfested cowpea seeds compared to larval frass extract. No significant differences were recorded between other paired treatments. These results suggest the relative importance of volatile cues from seeds (host habitat) in mediating host location by P. cerealellae.

► Pteromalus cerealellae is a parasitoid of larvae of stored-product insects.
► We investigate the role of host-related volatiles on its host location behavior.
► The parasitoid is significantly attracted to uninfested and infested seeds.
► Volatile cues from seeds (host habitat) are used for host location by the parasitoid.