EPPO Global Database

EPPO Reporting Service no. 10 - 1991 Num. article: 1991/14

Host odour recognition of Rhagoletis spp.


Experiments in the USA showed that Rhagoletis pomonella and Rhagoletis mendax (both EPPO A1 pests) have a different antennal sensitivity to host odours.  Antennal sensitivity of Rhagoletis mendax was much stronger to blueberry than that of Rhagoletis pomonella.
The authors assume that the antennal sensitivity to certain odours is genetically based because tested flies had no prior food-plant experience.



Sources

Frey, J.E.; Bush, G.L. (1990) Rhagoletis sibling species and host races differ in host odour recognition.
Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 57, 127-131.