Female adult puncture-induced plant volatiles promote mating success of the pea leafminer via enhancing vibrational signals

Abstract

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) synergize with the sex pheromones of herbivorous insects to facilitate mate location. However, the synergism of HIPVs and acoustic signals for sexual communication remains unknown. Here, we investigated the synergy between HIPVs and vibrational duets for sexual communication and mating in the pea leafminer ( Liriomyza huidobrensis ). Our results indicated that adult leafminers do not produce species-specific pheromone, and female-puncture-induced plant volatiles facilitate the attraction of both sexes to host plant leaves and sexual encounters. Insect-derived cues do not participate in mate locations. Both sexes do not produce qualitatively different cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), and CHCs from females cannot elicit the antennal and behavioural responses of males. By contrast, induced green leaf volatiles, terpenoids and oximes elicit dramatic antennal responses in both sexes. Electrophysiological and behavioural tests consistently showed that the volatiles (Z)-3-hexenol and (Z)-3-hexenyl-acetate elicited the most intense gas chromatographic-electroantennographic responses, and attracted males and females. Remarkably, these volatiles significantly promoted the occurrence of vibrational duets between the sexes, thereby increasing the mating success of leafminers. Therefore, the synergism of HIPVs and vibrational signals largely promoted the mating success of leafminers, suggesting an alternative control strategy through precision trapping for non-pheromone-producing insects. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Biotic signalling sheds light on smart pest management’.