AN OPEN Y·TRACK OLFACTOMETER FOR RECORDING OF APHID BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSES TO PLANT ODOURS

Abstract

Summary In order to test plant odours and their components on the behavioural responses of aphids, we designed an open Y-track olfactometer. The olfactometer was constructed from a brass rod positioned vertically, divided in two arms at the top. Glass tubes were slipped over the two arms that directcd a clean air flow and an air flow loaded with odour towards the Y-junetion. An aphid walked in a fcw minutes to the Y-junction and ehose between control and odour sides. In this olfactometer winged Aphis fabae aphids (alate virginoparae) preferred the arm with broad bean plant odour. The olfactometer is easy to construct, fast to use and can readily be adapted to other inseet species.