Continuous single sensillum recording as a detection method for moth pheromone components in the effluent of a gas chromatograph

ABSTRACT. Single sensillum recordings were made from male antennal pheromone receptors of Agrotis segetum (Schiff.) (Noctuidae) and Adoxophyes orana (F.v.R.) (Tortricidae). A gas chromatograph (GC) was used to prepare and to deliver the odour stimuli. Samples of female abdominal gland extracts were injected into the column of the GC and the responses of the receptor cells to the effluent were recorded continuously. The receptor cells responded with an increase of their action potential frequency during elution of the major pheromone components. The pheromone receptors of Agrotis showed a much higher sensitivity than those of Adoxophyes. In the extract of female glands from Agrotis, compounds were detected which have not been identified in previous studies of the sex pheromone of this species. It is suggested that the combination of GC techniques with direct single sensillum recording may serve as a valuable supplement to electro‐antennographic techniques.