Olfactory mediated responses to host and non-host plant volatiles by female grape berry moths (Paralobesia viteana)

To understand the proximate mechanism of olfactory-mediated host and non-host differentiation by phytophagous insects, we first investigated volatile compounds involved in the olfactory attraction and discrimination of a specialist moth, grape berry moth (GBM), Paralobesia viteana, to its host (grape) and a non-host (apple) plant.  We collected headspace volatiles from live grape and apple shoots using activated charcoal traps and identified volatile compounds that can be detected by GBM antennae using a combination of gas chromatography coupled with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC-MS. We have determined an active blend that serves as an attractant to mated females in previous flight tunnel work. We will test blends in the flight tunnel to demonstrate how different volatiles and mixtures affect moth behavior in an agonist or antagonist manner.