Chemoecology (2007) 17, 81-85

Suk-Ling Wee and Keng-Hong Tan (2007)
Temporal accumulation of phenylpropanoids in male fruit flies, Bactrocera dorsalis and B. carambolae (Diptera: Tephritidae) following methyl eugenol consumption
Chemoecology 17 (2), 81-85
Abstract: Males of dacine tephritids, Bactrocera carambolae and B. dorsalis are strongly attracted to, and compulsively feed on methyl eugenol (ME), a potent attractant for many Bactrocera species. While ME was shown to be biotransformed into phenylpropanoids, 2-allyl-4,5-dimethoxyphenol and (E)-coniferyl alcohol, and temporarily stored in the rectal gland of male B. dorsalis prior to release during courtship at dusk, B. carambolae male produces only the latter compound along with its de novo synthesized pheromone components. Both species were also shown to have different age-related response, sensitivity and consumption levels of ME. Here, we monitored and compared temporal changes in the accumulation profiles of these phenylpropanoids by the two sibling species, with male rectal glands being individually excised at different time intervals from 15 minutes to 20 days after initial ME feeding and analysed quantitatively. Results are discussed in light of plant-fruit fly co-evolution relationship.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Keng-Hong Tan, Suk Ling Wee

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Bactrocera dorsalis
	Bactrocera carambolae