Optimization of Electroantennogram Measurement Method and Electroantennogram Responses of Tribolium castaneum(Herbst) to Wheat Flour Volatiles

In order to obtain more reliable electroantennogram (EAG) of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), the EAG measurement method was optimized and the EAG response of T. castaneum to 14 wheat flour volatiles was tested. The results showed that the optimized method obtained stable and reliable EAG data. All the 14 wheat flour volatiles stimulated EAG responses of T. castaneum, and the EAG responses of males and females to these compounds were similar. The EAG response to aldehyde from wheat flour volatiles was the highest, while the EAG response to hydrocarbon wheat flour volatiles was at a low level. The highest EAG of male and female was initiated by the same four compounds: valeraldehyde, nonanal, 2-octenaldehyde, and 2-pentylfuran. The EAG response values of males and females to tetradecane and 2-octenaldehyde were significantly different. The results solve the difficulty in connecting antennae to electrode during testing the EAG response of T. castaneum, and provide basic data to reveal the characteristics of the EAG response of T. castaneum.