AUTHOR=Qian Chenyu , Xie Wenqi , Su Zhongqi , Wen Xiujun , Ma Tao 

TITLE=Quantitative analysis and characterization of floral volatiles, and the role of active compounds on the behavior of Heortia vitessoides

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Plant Science

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2024.1439087

DOI=10.3389/fpls.2024.1439087

ISSN=1664-462X

ABSTRACT=<p>This study explores the role of floral volatile organic compounds (FVOCs) in insect behavior, focusing on <italic>Aquilaria sinensis</italic> (AS), a valuable tropical plant threatened by <italic>Heortia vitessoides</italic> Moore. Despite <italic>H. vitessoides</italic>’ attraction to AS and non-host plants like <italic>Elaeocarpus decipiens</italic> (ED) and <italic>Dalbergia odorifera</italic> (DO), little is known about their chemical interactions. FVOCs from these plants were analyzed at 9:00 and 18:00 using GC×GC-QTOF-MS and HS-SPME. The results showed that ED exhibiting the highest concentration (92.340 ng/mg), followed by DO (75.167 ng/mg) and AS (64.450 ng/mg). Through GC-EAD and EAG, a total of 11 FVOC compounds with electrophysiological activates were identified. These compounds, except linalool, showed dose-dependent responses. Y-Tube bioassays confirmed phenylethyl alcohol or the mixture of EAD-active compounds produced positive chemotactic responses in both males and females. FVOCs have the potential to be used as a natural and sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides in pest control.</p>