Empirical correlations between electroantennograms and bioassays forPeriplaneta americana

Determination of electroantennograms (EAGs) with an electroantennometer having a positive and a negative peak detection option, and with a stimulus delivery device providing local stimulation of the antenna ofP. americana, allowed for the detection of three typical EAG patterns for a wide range of compounds tested. Some of the compounds presented at least one positive EAG peak (0.1–0.3 mV), others showed a single negative EAG peak (–1.0 to –1.1 mV), and a third group had more than one negative EAG peak (–0.2 to –0.8 mV). These EAG results correlate with behavioral assays ofP. americana. Thus compounds having a positive EAG response act as repellents, while those having negative EAG responses act as attractants, depending on concentration. EAG patterns thus can permit prediction of behavioral responses ofP. americana.