Behavioural responses of Aphis fabae to isothiocyanates in the laboratory and field

Isothiocyanates have been shown to stimulate olfactory receptors on the antennae of the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scop. Single-cell recording techniques show that this aphid has receptors at the proximal primary rhinarium which are sensitive to n-butyl isothiocyanate. In laboratory assays, 4-pentenyl and n-butyl isothiocyanates were repellent at similar threshold concentrations. A. fabae was attracted to host-plant odour, but addition of either isothiocyanate to the airstream masked this attraction. Field trials on spring beans did not produce any consistent reduction in numbers of alate or apterous aphids on the crop, and yields were not improved by either compound.