Response of the tortricid pest Lobesia botrana to volatiles emitted by the non-host plant Perilla frutescens

The European Grapevine Moth Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) is a major pest of grape worldwide. Non-host plant compounds which elicit the so called somatosensory sensation, have been used in agriculture for their ability to interfere with insects. Among these, Perilla frutescens (L.) compounds were shown activating sensory Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, which are also involved in the perception of somatosensory-compounds, and are expressed in tortricid antennae. In search of volatiles emitted from P. frutescens with a potential application in pest control, we screened essential oil metabolites for biological activity on the olfactory system of L. botrana.Electrophysiologically active compounds released from different P. frutescens varieties were identified by GC-EAD. In a dual choice oviposition test, females showed a preference for odors released by a variety whose profile is dominated by S-(-)-Perillaldehyde over a host-plant odor bouquet. In Y-tube olfactometer assays, virgin males showed a significant enhancement at the beahavioral level, in the presence of odors released by a variety whose profile is dominated by Perillaketone and Isoegomaketone.