Sex pheromone of the iris gelechiid moth Monochroa divisella

The iris gelechiid moth, Monochroa divisella (Douglas) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a serious pest in iris horticulture. The overuse of pesticides for conventional control has a great risk of water pollution because irises are often planted in damp areas. To minimize pesticide applications, it is essential to monitor moth emergence by using pheromone traps. The female pheromone of M. divisella was analyzed by means of gas chromatography‐electroantennographic detection (GC‐EAD) and GC‐mass spectrometry. Two male EAD‐active compounds were detected and identified as (Z)‐3‐dodecenyl acetate (Z3‐12:Ac) and (Z)‐5‐tetradecenyl acetate (Z5‐14:Ac), the amounts of which were ca. 40 and 6 ng per female (100:15), respectively. Synthetic Z3‐12:Ac alone attracted only a few males in field trap experiments, but the attractiveness was significantly enhanced when 15% (wt/wt) Z5‐14:Ac was added; traps baited with their binary mixtures captured 21.3‐106.4 males/trap/day, as compared with 2.3 males/trap/day attracted by a crude extract of 10 virgin females. We conclude that Z3‐12:Ac and Z5‐14:Ac are M. divisella pheromone components, which can be offered as an attractant in monitoring traps. Although dodecenyl acetates are a major class of lepidopteran pheromone components, those with the double bond at the 3 position are rare and appear to be unique to gelechiids.     

Optimization of pheromone lure and trap design for monitoring the fir coneworm, Dioryctria abietivorella

The major components of the sex pheromone of Dioryctria abietivorella (Groté) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were recently identified as (9Z,11E)‐tetradecadien‐1‐yl acetate (9Z,11E‐14:Ac) and a polyunsaturated, long‐chain hydrocarbon (3Z,6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)‐pentacosapentaene (C25 pentaene). The optimal ratio of these components and the role of potential minor components were not fully determined in the initial short report on the pheromone's identification. We tested different ratios of the two major components loaded into grey halobutyl rubber septum dispensers, placed in sticky traps deployed in conifer breeding arboreta. The optimal ratio of the two components was 200 µg 9Z,11E‐14:Ac to 2000 µg C25 pentaene. (Z)‐9‐Tetradecen‐1‐yl acetate, which had been identified previously in female pheromone gland extracts, and five other potential minor pheromone components, were tested individually as additions to the optimized two‐component lure blend. None of the ternary blends were more attractive than the optimized two‐component blend, at the ratios tested. Two lure adjuvants, a UV stabilizer (Sumisorb 300) and the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene, added individually or together, did not affect the attractiveness of the optimized lure blend. The Pherotech diamond sticky trap baited with the optimized lure blend was the most effective trap design among eight types of sticky trap and a bucket style trap that were tested. Traps baited with synthetic lures were as attractive as traps baited with virgin female moths. The optimized two‐component lure blend in the Pherotech diamond trap is recommended for monitoring fir coneworm infestations. The availability of an effective synthetic pheromone opens the possibility for control tactics using mating disruption or attract‐and‐kill techniques.     

Sex pheromone of Etiella behrii, a pod borer of soybean in Indonesia: identification and field attraction

Four EAG-active components were detected in GC-EAG analyses of hexane extracts from virgin Etiella behrii (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) females. These components were identified as dodecyl acetate (12:Ac), (E)-9-dodecenyl acetate (E9-12:Ac), either (Z)-9- or (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9- or E11-14:Ac), and (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11-14:Ac) by comparison of retention indices on both nonpolar and polar GC columns. The available extract was insufficient for further GC-MS or other chemical analyses (<0.2 ng/female). In field tests carried out in East Java, a 10:90 mixture of E9-12:Ac and Z11-14:Ac showed attractiveness to male moths and addition of 12:Ac and/or E11-14:Ac significantly increased the trap catches while addition of Z9-14:Ac showed no significant effect. Maximum attraction was obtained with 5.35 or 10.7 g/rubber septum of a mixture of E9-12:Ac, Z11-14:Ac, 12:Ac and E11-14:Ac at the ratio of 10:90:0.7:6.3, respectively. The role of pheromone blends in species discrimination between E. behrii and the related E. zinckenella (Treitschke) is discussed.     

Sex pheromone composition of the variegated cutworm,Peridroma saucia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in Korea

This study was conducted to investigate the sex pheromone composition of the variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia Hübner) in Korea. The sex pheromone components of P. saucia were identified as (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:Ac) and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:Ac) through GC-EAD and GC–MS analysis. EAG tests of the male antennae revealed that the Z9-14:AC exerted significantly larger responses than other compounds. The female moths primarily called and copulated between 6 h and 7 h after the lights off, and the ratio of two pheromone components, Z9-14:Ac and Z11-16:Ac, in the sex pheromone gland during this period was 1:2.1 to 1:2.4. In the field trapping studies, a large number of male moths were caught in the traps baited with the mixtures of Z9-14:Ac and Z11-16:Ac at the ratios ranging from 2.3:1 to 1:4, with the highest trap catches at 1:1 to 1:2.3 ratios of the two components. The seasonal flight activities of P. saucia monitored by using pheromone lures revealed complicated patterns in Korea. Specifically, the first flight period was spread over a long period and irregular, while the second flight period differed among the localities examined.     

Identification of the sex pheromone of Isoceras sibirica Alpheraky (Lepidoptera, Cossidae)

We discovered that extracts of the female sex pheromone gland of the carpenterworm moth Isoceras sibirica Alpheraky, a pest of Asparagus officinalis Linn., contained (Z)-7-tetradecen-1-ol (Z7-14:OH), (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol (Z9-14:OH), (Z)-7-tetradecenyl acetate (Z7-14:Ac), (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:Ac), and (Z)-9-hexadecadecenyl acetate (Z9-16:Ac). The average levels of the chemicals in a single sex pheromone gland of a calling moth were (0.71 +/- 0.24) ng, (1.42 +/- 0.44) ng, (4.36 +/- 0.32) ng, (8.71 +/- 0.26) ng, and (0.82 +/- 0.38) ng, respectively. The electroantennography (EAG) analysis of these chemicals and their analogues demonstrated that Z9-14:Ac triggered significantly the male EAG response. Traps with rubber septa lure impregnated with Z9-14:Ac (500 microg/septum), Z7-14:Ac (250 microg/septum), and Z9-16:Ac (50 microg/septum) were more effective in catching male moths than traps with other baits or virgin females. Addition of Z7-14:OH and Z9-14:OH to rubber septa did not enhance the efficiency of the trap.     

Field trials of synthetic sex pheromone lures for the large cabbage-heart caterpillar moth, Crocidolomia pavonana (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Indonesia

The efficacy of synthetic female sex pheromone lures for Crocidolomia pavonana (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in the cabbage fields of Java and Bali, Indonesia, was investigated by varying the composition and dosage of the components. The lure containing a synthetic pheromone blend of (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11–16: Ac) and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9–14: Ac) at a 10:1 ratio acquired significantly more male catches than single component lures and the control lure. Meanwhile, no attraction was observed when lures with 1:1 and 1:10 blends were tested. The composition of Z11–16: Ac and Z9–14: Ac at a ratio of 5, 10 and 20:1 attracted more males than the control lures. Dosage studies showed that 0.055 and 0.55 mg of a mixture of Z11–16: Ac and Z9–14: Ac (10:1 ratio) attracted more males than the control. These results are the first demonstration of the efficacy of synthetic pheromone for C. pavonana in field conditions. The present study suggests the feasibility of pheromone-based monitoring as a simple and low-cost technique for integrated pest management of this pest.     

Identification of a four-component sex pheromone blend in Bonagota cranaodes (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Analysis of sex pheromone glands of the apple leafroller Bonagota cranaodes Meyrick by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry or electroantennographic detection showed the presence of 14 structurally related acetates and alcohols of the chain length 10-18, including the main pheromone component (E,Z)-3,5-dodecadienyl acetate (E3,Z5-12Ac). Male antennae responded to the main compound, its Z,Z isomer, (E,Z) -3,5-tetradecadienyl acetate (E3,Z5-14Ac), and the monoenes (Z)-5-dodecenyl acetate (Z5-12Ac) and (Z)-9-hexadecenyl acetate (Z9-16Ac). Traps baited with a four-component blend of E3,Z5-12Ac, Z5-12Ac, E3,Z5-14Ac, and Z9-16Ac in a 100:5:5:100 ratio were significantly more attractive than the main compound alone. This improved trap lure is more suitable for monitoring population densities of B. cranaodes, and for detection of the onset of the seasonal flight period. A more complete pheromone blend is of importance also with respect to current attempts to develop mating disruption for control of this major pest of apple in Brazil.     

Identification and application of the sex pheromones of the rice green caterpillar Naranga aenescens in Korea

This study was carried out to investigate the optimum composition of sex pheromones for mate attraction in the rice green caterpillar Naranga aenescens, and to evaluate the effects of pheromone quantity, trap type, and trapping location on trapping success in Korean paddy fields. Mating rate of N. aenescens increased with age, with the highest mating rate 2 days after emergence. The highest mating rate occurred within 1 h after lights-off; mating pairs were not observed during the photophase. In electroantennogram (EAG) and gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection (GC–EAD) analysis, virgin female extracts had 2 EAD-active components. The mass spectra of the 2 distinct EAD-active components were identical to those of Z9-14:Ac and Z11-16:Ac. Additionally, Z9-16:Ac was identified in the extracts in gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Wing traps with lures containing 1 mg of a 2:1:4 mixture of Z9-14:Ac, Z9-16:Ac, and Z11-16:Ac was the most attractive to N. aenescens males. Pheromone-baited wing trapping, therefore, can be a simple and effective tool for monitoring N. aenescens populations.     

Development of Sex Pheromone Trap for Monitoring Matsumuraeses falcana (Walshingham) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

This study was carried out to find out an effective formulation for monitoring the soybean podborer, Matsumuraeses falcana (Walshingham), using its sex pheromone in Korea. A 1 : 1 : 1 mixture of (E)-8-dodecenyl acetate (E 8–12: Ac), (E,E)-8,10-dodecadienyl acetate (E 8 E 10–12: Ac) and (E,Z)-7,9-dodecadienyl acetate (E 7 Z 9–12: Ac) was an effective composition in monitoring M. falcana. A binary mixture of E 8–12: Ac and E 8 E 10–12: Ac was essential to attract M. falcana male moths. E 7 Z 9–12: Ac showed a synergistic effect on the attractiveness of 1 : 1 mixture of E 8–12: Ac and E 8 E 10–12: Ac. These chemicals alone showed little or no attractiveness to M. falcana. The sticky-typed wing trap baited with sex pheromone captured significantly more males than the water-pan trap. Trap catches within a soybean field were much more than those in perimeter trap. The trap-baited with sex pheromone gave a distinct fluctuation pattern of male catches throughout the flight seasons. Therefore, it can be expected that pheromone-baited trap provides a simple tool for monitoring the soybean podborer, M. falcana in Korea.     

A comparison of responses from olfactory receptor neurons of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Heliothis subflexa</Emphasis> and<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Heliothis virescens</Emphasis> to components of their sex pheromone

Single-cell electrophysiological recordings were obtained from olfactory receptor neurons in sensilla trichodea on male antennae of the heliothine species Heliothis subflexa and the closely related congener H. virescens. A large percentage of sensilla (72% and 81%, respectively, of all sensilla sampled) contained a single odor-responsive receptor neuron tuned to the major pheromone component of both species, Z-11-hexadecenal. A second population of sensilla on H. subflexa antennae (18%) housed receptor neurons that were tuned to Z-9-hexadecenal but also responded with less sensitivity to Z-9-tetradecenal. A similar population of sensilla (4%) on H. virescens male antennae housed receptor neurons that were shown to be tuned specifically only to Z-9-tetradecenal, with no response to even high dosages of Z-9-hexadecenal. A third population of sensilla (comprising 8% and 16% of the sensilla sampled in H. subflexa and H. virescens, respectively) housed two olfactory receptor neurons, one of which was tuned to Z-11-hexadecenyl acetate and the other tuned to Z-11-hexadecenol. In H. subflexa the Z-11-hexadecenyl acetate-tuned neuron also responded to Z-9-tetradecenal with nearly equivalent sensitivity. The behavioral requirements of males of these two species for distinct pheromonal blends was, therefore, reflected by the subtle differences in the tuning properties of antennal olfactory receptor neurons.Abbreviations MGC macroglomerular complex - ORN olfactory receptor neuron - Z9–14:Ald (Z)-9-tetradecenal - Z9–16:Ald (Z)-9-hexadecenal - Z11–16:Ac (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate - Z11–16:Ald (Z)-11-hexadecenal - Z11–16:OH (Z)-11-hexadecenol     

Electroantennogram and field responses of Korean population of the rice leaf folder,Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), to sex attractant candidates

A series of studies was conducted to determine the optimum sex attractant for monitoring the rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, in Korea, based on the previously reported pheromone composition in this species. (Z)-13-Octadecenal (Z13-18:Al) was most active in electroantennogram (EAG) and field tests. (Z)-11-Hexadecenal (Z11-16:Al), (Z)-11-octadecenal (Z11-18:Al), (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:Ac), (Z)-13-octadecenyl acetate (Z13-18:Ac) and (Z)-13-octadecenol (Z13-18:OH) individually elicited significant EAG responses, but were not individually attractive in field trials. (Z)-11-Octadecenol (Z11-18:OH) alone was inactive in both EAG and field tests. The addition of Z11-18:OH and Z13-18:OH to the binary mixture of Z11-18:Al and Z13-18:Al, as the previously reported composition of the Japanese blend, significantly increased the trap catches of males in field trials. In contrast, the Philippine and Indian blends were not attractive to this species. Interestingly, when Z13-18:Ac alone was added to the binary mixture of Z11-18:Al and Z13-18:Al, the trap catch number was the same as that of the Japanese blend. The present study indicates that the four-component blend (Z11-18:Al/Z13-18:Al/Z11-18:OH/Z13-18:OH = 11/100/24/36) and the three-component blend (Z11-18:Al/Z13-18:Al/Z13-18:Ac = 11/100/11) can be used as sex attractants for monitoring the Korean populations of C. medinalis.     

Odour quality discrimination for behavioural antagonist compounds in three tortricid species

The antennal and behavioural response of three tortricid species (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to their corresponding sex pheromones and known or putative behavioural antagonists was tested by electroantennography and in field trials. The species and their pheromones and known or proposed behavioural antagonist were lightbrown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) [pheromone: 95% (E)‐11‐tetradecenyl acetate (E11‐14Ac) and 5% (E,E)‐9,11‐tetradecadienyl acetate (E9E11‐14Ac); antagonist: (Z)‐11‐tetradecenyl acetate (Z11‐14Ac)], codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) [pheromone: (E,E)‐8,10‐dodecadien‐1‐ol (codlemone); antagonist: (E,E)‐8,10‐dodecadienyl acetate (codlemone acetate)], and gorse pod moth, Cydia ulicetana (Haworth) [pheromone: (E,E)‐8,10‐dodecadienyl acetate (codlemone acetate); putative antagonist: (E,E)‐8,10‐dodecadien‐1‐ol (codlemone)]. In all three species, the antennal response to the antagonists was not significantly different from the antennal response to con‐specific sex pheromone compounds. In the field trapping experiments, significantly fewer males of all three species were attracted to the respective pheromone when blended with the behavioural antagonist compound. However, this response varied between the species, with lightbrown apple moth and codling moth showing stronger responses to the antagonist compounds than gorse pod moth. Both lightbrown apple moth and codling moth males were able to discriminate between pure pheromone and pheromone blended with the antagonist when placed in traps side‐by‐side separated by ca. 10 cm. The presence of the behavioural antagonist not only affected the catch of males of both species within their own traps but also affected the catch in the neighbouring trap that contained con‐specific sex pheromone; the catch of gorse pod moth was not reduced by the presence of codlemone in the neighbouring trap. These results suggest that strong behavioural antagonists such as codlemone acetate for codling moth and Z11‐14Ac for lightbrown apple moth induce their inhibition effect at a substantial distance downwind from the odour source; however, most of those males that were able to overcome this inhibition effect at the early stage of orientation to odour source, were able to discriminate between the pheromone source and the pheromone source admixed with behavioural antagonist. Moderate behavioural antagonists such as codlemone for gorse pod moth did not elicit a discrimination effect.     

Differences between attractive diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), sex pheromone lures are not determinable through analysis of emissions

1 Conjoint comparisons were made between trap captures of male diamondback moths, Plutella xylostella (L.), and gas chromatographic measures of sex pheromone emissions from grey and red rubber septa. The objective was to correlate trap captures with emissions. 2 Irrespective of their composition, all mixtures that were released from grey septa effected the capture of more males than the same mixtures released from red septa. There was no difference between captures by any of the mixtures when emitted from grey septa. However, when emitted from red septa, a nominal 50 : 50 ratio of (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11–16:Al) and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11–16:Ac) effected the capture of more males than either nominal 70 : 30 or 67 : 23 ratios. Generally, the emitted ratios of Z11–16:Al and Z11–16:Ac from both types of septa were variable, ranging between 6 : 10 to about 40 : 10. 3 No statistical correlation was found between the emissions and trap captures by any single component, group or ratio of components. These results suggest that the environment substantially affects the emission of sex pheromone components from rubber septa. As a result, the demonstration of geographical biotypes of diamondback moths and other insects may be difficult.     

Sulfhydryl-reagent inhibition of olfaction in a moth and effects of exposure to pheromone compounds or a pheromone analogue

The effects on olfaction of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), a specificreagent of free sulfhydryl groups, were studied in the mothMamestra brassicae. The antennae of male M.brassicae bear twotypes of specialist receptor neurons involved in pheromone communication.One type is tuned to (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:Ac),the main pheromone component; the second type is tuned to (Z)-9-tetradecenylacetate (Z9-14:Ac), an interspecific inhibitor not producedby the females of this species. Vapours of NEM irreversiblyinhibited the electro-antennographic (EAG) responses to Z11-16:Acand Z9-14:Ac. When Zll-16:Ac was applied before and during NEMtreatment, the responses to Z9-14:Ac were preserved and someprotection was observed in the responses to Zll-16:Ac. In return,Z9-14:Ac partially prevented the disappearance of responsesto Zll-16:Ac but not to Z9-14:Ac. A third compound, hexadecylacetate (16:Ac), found in the pheromone gland, but not detectedby the antennal receptors, did not prevent the inhibition causedby NEM.     

Identification of the sex pheromone of Copitarsia decolora (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Chemical and electrophysiological analyses and field trials were used to identify the female sex pheromone of Copitarsia decolora (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analysis of the female gland extract showed the presence of two EAD-active peaks, which were identified by GC-mass spectrometric (MS) analysis as (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:Ac) and (Z)-9-tetradecenol (Z9-14:OH). The field evaluation of the EAD-active compounds indicated that traps baited with either Z9-14:Ac or Z9-14:OH caught few males. In contrast, traps baited with the binary blend of both components caught significantly more males than traps baited with the single compounds. Captures in traps baited with a mixture of Z9-14:Ac and Z9 -14:OH at 4:1, 10:1, and 100:1 ratios were not significantly different from the catches in traps baited with virgin females. Few males were captured in traps baited with a blend of Z9-14:Ac and Z9-14:OH at 1:4, 1:10, and 1:100 ratios.     

Effect of (E4, Z6)-4,6-Hexadecadienal in attraction of Stathmopoda masinissa with its pheromone components of Korean population

Timely insecticidal application for Stathmopoda masinissa Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Stathmopodidae), is important, for reducing damage to persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.), an important tree fruit cultivated in Korea. In this regard, the early and precise detection of adult S. masinissa is desirable. In this study, we report the effect of (E4,Z6)-4,6-hexadecadienal (E4,Z6-16Ald) with sex pheromone components in attracting S. masinissa males. The sex pheromone of S. masinissa in the Korean population comprised two components, (E4,Z6)-4,6-hexadecadienyl acetate (E4,Z6-16Ac) and (E4,Z6)-4,6-hexadecadienol (E4,Z6-16OH). It was shown that the E4,Z6-16Ald acts as a synergist of E4,Z6-16Ac for attracting S. masinissa in the Japanese population. To test whether E4,Z6-16Ald could be used as an attractant in the Korean population, the E4,Z6-16Ald with the two pheromone components was evaluated in attracting S. masinissa males. Electroantennography (EAG) assays were performed to determine the antennal responses of S. masinissa males to the two pheromone components and E4,Z6-16Ald tested. A field attraction test with a combination of pheromones and E4,Z6-16Ald was carried out for 3 years in three different regions in Korea. E4,Z6-16Ald elicited as high a response as the two pheromone components. A mixture of the two pheromone components and E4,Z6-16Ald and a mixture of E4,Z6-16Ac and E4,Z6-16Ald attracted more S. masinissa males than a mixture of E4,Z6-16Ac and E4,Z6-16OH, the pheromone of Korean population. This new pheromone lure formulation with E4,Z6-16Ald is expected to contribute to the precise detection of S. masinissa by luring males to pheromone-baited traps.     

Sex pheromone biosynthesis in the tortricid moth Planotortrix excessana (Walker) involves chain-shortening of palmitoleate and oleate

Biosynthesis of the sex pheromone components, (Z)-5-tetradecenyl acetate (Z5-14:OAc) and (Z)-7-tetradecenyl acetate (Z7-14:OAc), was investigated in the New Zealand tortricid moth Planotortrix excessana (Walker) by fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis of base-methanolyzed extracts of lipids in the sex pheromone gland and through application of various labelled fatty acids. Analysis of the base-methanolyzed gland extracts revealed common FAMEs, including methyl oleate and methyl palmitoleate, as well as the FAMEs of the putative precursors, methyl (Z)-5-tetradecenoate and methyl (Z)-7-tetradecenoate. Application of labelled, saturated fatty acids, myristic, palmitic, and stearic did not result in any significant incorporation of label into either of the unsaturated pheromone components, although label was incorporated into tetradecyl acetate (14:OAc). In contrast, application of labelled oleic acid resulted in incorporation of label into Z5-14:OAc but not into Z7-14:OAc or into 14:OAc, whereas application of labelled palmitoleic acid resulted in incorporation of label into Z7-14:OAc but not into Z5-14:OAc or 14:OAc. These data support a route for biosynthesis of Z5-14:OAc and Z7-14:OAc in this species by limited β-oxidation of the common fatty acyl moieties, respectively, oleate (involving two cycles of 2-carbon chain-shortening) and palmitoleate (involving only one cycle of 2-carbon chain-shortening), and apparently involving no desaturase (other than the common Δ9) specific to sex pheromone biosynthesis. Interestingly, P. excessana females biosynthesize the same component (Z5-14:OAc) from an entirely different route from that of the related species Ctenopseustis obliquana (which biosynthesizes Z5-14:OAc by Δ5-desaturation of myristate). Additionally, the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) stimulates pheromone biosynthesis in this species. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 37:158–167, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Identification of two components of the female sex pheromone of the sugarcane‐borer Diatraea flavipennella (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Analysis by gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection of extracts of pheromone glands derived from calling females of the sugarcane‐borer Diatraea flavipennella revealed two antennally active compounds. These components were identified as (Z)‐9‐hexadecenal (Z9–16:Ald) and (Z)‐11‐hexadecenal (Z11–16:Ald) by comparison of the retention times of the natural compounds and the synthetic compounds supported by two‐dimensional gas chromatography – time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric analysis and the positions of the double bounds in the chains were confirmed from the mass spectral fragmentation patterns of their dimethyldisulphide adducts. The analysis indicated that Z9–16:Ald and Z11–16:Ald were present in the sex pheromone in the proportions 25 : 75. Trace amounts of tetradecanal, hexadecanal, (Z)‐7‐hexadecenal (Z7–16:Ald), (Z)‐9‐hexadecen‐1‐ol and (Z)‐11‐hexadecen‐1‐ol were also found in the extract, but of these only Z9–16:Ald and Z11–16:Ald appeared to be antennally active. Behavioural bioassays demonstrated that a binary blend composed of Z9–16:Ald and Z11–16:Ald in the ratio of 25 : 75 induced a response in D. flavipennella virgin males similar to that elicited by live virgin females or by an hexane extract of the pheromone glands of calling females. Z9–16:Ald and Z11–16:Ald are, therefore, considered to be the major constituents of the female sex pheromone of D. flavipennella.     

Notes on New Zealand mammals 10. Effect of observer position on group size and level of aggression of mating brown hares

Abstract

The sex pheromones of two endemic New Zealand tortricid species were investigated. Females of the first species, Cnephasia jactatana, a pest of kiwifruit, were found to produce (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11-14:OAc) in their sex pheromone gland. When tested in the field, this compound on its own elicited significant catches of male C. jactatana. However, the addition of even very small amounts (0.3%) of the geometric isomer, (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11-14:OAc), to Z 11-14:OAc virtually suppressed trap catches. The sex pheromone of the second species, Merophyas leucaniana, was found to consist of a mixture of Z11-14:OAc, E11-14:OAc, tetradecyl acetate, and (Z)-11-tetradecenol. This species is morphologically very similar to the congeneric species, M. divulsana, the Australian lucerne leafroller. The sex pheromone of M. leucaniana is also very similar to that of the so-called “Z-type” of M. divulsana, which is now found in New Zealand. The pheromone components of C. jactatana and M. leucaniana are discussed in relation to those found in other tortricids.     

Pest phenology and evaluation of traps and pheromone lures for monitoring flight activity of obliquebanded leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Minnesota apple orchards

The efficacy of two trap designs (Pherocon 1C "wing" trap versus Pherocon VI "delta" trap) and two pheromone blends for monitoring obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), was evaluated in Minnesota apple orchards during the 2001 and 2002 field seasons. Two distinct flight periods of C. rosaceana were recorded yearly in Minnesota. Overwintered C. rosaceana larvae resumed activity in the spring at approximately 60 degree-days (DD) base 10 degrees C, whereas adult emergence began approximately 275 DD base 10 degrees C. To determine the optimal pheromone blend for monitoring C. rosaceana in Minnesota, traps were baited with either a three-component pheromone blend (Z11-14:Ac, E11-14:Ac, and Z11-14:OH) produced by females in eastern North America, or a four-component blend (Z11-14:Ac, E11-14:Ac, Z11-14:OH, and Z11-14:Al) commonly produced by females in western North America. Of the four pheromone-baited traps evaluated, delta traps baited with the four-component western pheromone lure captured the highest number of C. rosaceana males, followed by wing traps baited with western lure. Male C. rosaceana were less attracted to traps containing the three-component eastern lure, and both lure types seemed to be considerably selective against sympatric redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker). These results suggest that the pheromonal response of the predominant endemic population of C. rosaceana in Minnesota is similar to the response of the pest in many parts of western North America. The delta trap baited with western pheromone lure of C. rosaceana is recommended for monitoring the pest in Minnesota, and the results are discussed in relation to the development of effective management strategies against this important pest of apple.