Calling behavior and pheromone titer in the smaller tea tortrix moth,Adoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The calling behavior and pheromone titer in the female smaller tea tortrix moth,Adoxophyes sp., were investigated under a 1410-hr light-dark photoperiod. Quantitative gas chromatographic analysis of ovipositor extract for (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11–14Ac) and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9–14Ac), the major pheromone components of this species, obtained on the third day postemergence, indicated that extractable amounts of sex pheromone were present throughout the period of observation. Maximal pheromone titer and calling activity was reached at 8 and 10 hr after onset of scotophase, respectively. The ratio ofZ11–14Ac toZ9–14Ac through the 24-hr period varied significantly. The significance of the sex pheromone component ratio variation on the attraction of males was tested in a field experiment. The ratio of males trapped by the most attractive blend versus the least attractive one was 2.16.     

Response of male potato stem borer moths,Hydraecia micacea (Esper) to conspecific females and synthetic pheromone blends in the laboratory and field

Behavior of males ofHydraecia micacea (Esper) responding to virgin females and to synthetic pheromone blends were investigated in a laboratory wind tunnel. The synthetic blend consisted of saturated 14Ac (68.9%),Z9–14Ac (3.4%),E11–14Ac (14.6%), andZ11–14Ac (13.1%). Virgin females were significantly better lures than the four-component synthetic blend for most behaviors. By deleting components individually from the four-component blend,Z9–14Ac,Z11–14Ac, and saturated 14Ac were found to be necessary for communication butE11–14Ac was found to have no effect on typical pheromone-mediated reproductive behaviors. Close-range studies suggested that chemicals of low volatility, released from moths, were important in eliciting copulation attempts. Field studies reinforced laboratory findings regarding the effectiveness of different lures and indicated thatHeliothis traps were the most effective for monitoring.     

Sex pheromone ofAdoxophyes orana: Additional components and variability in ratio of (Z)-9- and (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate

Twelve products related to the sex pheromone main components (Z)-9- and (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9–14Ac andZ11–14Ac, respectively), were identified in female pheromone gland extracts of the laboratory-reared summerfruit tortrix moth,Adoxophyes orana F.v R. These are the geometric isomers and the alcohols of the main components, (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate, and saturated acetates of 12–22 carbons. The ratio ofZ9–14Ac toZ11–14Ac in individuals varied from 3.51 to 111 with an average of 6.2; their total added up to 462 ng/female with an average of 182 ng for 2- to 7-day-old individuals. No qualitative or quantitative differences were observed between laboratory and field insects.Z9–14Ac,Z11–14Ac and the corresponding alcohols were also found in female effluvia. Addition of either of the two alcohols to a blend of the two acetates augmented trap catch in the field. The same was true for (Z)-9,(E)-12-tetradecadienyl acetate which was not detected in gland extracts.     

Aggregation pheromone characterization and comparison inDrosophila ananassae andDrosophila bipectinata

(Z)-11-Octadecenyl acetate (Z11–18Ac) and (Z)-11-eicosenyl acetate (Z11–20Ac) were identified as the aggregation pheromones ofDrosophila ananassae, andZ11–20Ac was identified as the aggregation pheromone ofDrosophila bipectinata. Z11–18Ac andZ11–20Ac were not attractive alone; however, in combination with fermenting food odors, the acetates attracted flies of both sexes in a wind-tunnel olfactometer. The pheromones were present in the ejaculatory bulb of sexually mature male flies and transferred to the female during mating. MaleD. bipectinata released little if anyZ11–20Ac to the food; however, recently mated females releasedZ11–20Ac to the surrounding surfaces in just a few hours after mating.D. ananassae males, on the other hand, appeared to release moreZ11–18Ac andZ11–20Ac to the surroundings than mated females. AlthoughD. bipectinata males had noZ11–18Ac, flies were as attracted toZ11–18Ac as to an equal quantity ofZ11–20Ac.D. ananassae were attracted toZ11–18Ac but not toZ11–16Ac orZ11–20Ac. However,Z11–20Ac in combination withZ11–18Ac was significantly more attractive thanZ11–18Ac alone.     

Sex pheromone of the chokecherry leafroller moth,Sparganothis directana

(E)-9,11-Dodecadienyl acetate and (Z)-9,11-dodecadienyl acetate in conjunction with (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate were found to comprise the sex pheromone ofSparganothis directana, based on chemical analysis, electroantennogram tests, and field trapping. (E)-9-Dodecenyl acetate and (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate were also found in gland extracts but did not influence trap catches. The relative amounts of these compounds in the gland were 3521928 106, in the order named. Only (E)-9,1 1-dodecadienyl acetate, (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate, and (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate were required for attraction of males to traps, dispensed in the relative amounts 501238, respectively.Lepidoptera: Tortricidae.Supported by National Science Foundation grant PCM 78-13241.     

Effects of dodecyl acetate andZ-10-tridecenyl acetate on attraction ofEupoecilia ambiguella males to the main sex pheromone component,Z-9-Dodecenyl acetate

Attraction ofE. ambiguella males toZ-9-dodecenyl acetate (Z9-12Ac), alone and in combination with dodecyl acetate (12Ac) orZ-10-tridecenyl acetate (Z10-13Ac) was tested in both wind-tunnel and field experiments. In the laboratory, response toZ9-12Ac reached a distinct dosage optimum at which attraction was nearly as good as to live females. Addition of 12Ac, a minor component of female glands and effluvia, had no effect at low doses ofZ9-12Ac and only marginally improved attraction at the optimum. However, inclusion of 12Ac with an overdose ofZ9-12 Ac fully restored activity. In the field,Z9-12Ac alone was not very attractive at any dose; catches markedly increased by adding 12Ac and climbed with increasing dose of each compound up to 10 mg. Optimum ratio ofZ9-12Ac to 12Ac was 11 to 15. Another compound,Z10-13Ac, had the same effect as 12Ac in the laboratory and the field but was effective at a lower dose. In the field, inclusion of the synergist permits use of high cap loads to attract more males, perhaps from greater distances.     

A four-component pheromone blend for optimum attraction of redbacked cutworm males,Euxoa ochrogaster (Guenée)

Four acetates,Z-5-decenyl acetate,Z-5-,Z-7-, andZ-9-dodecenyl acetates, in microgram ratios of 120021 or 120062 were excellent, specific sex pheromone blends for capturing male redbacked cutworm moths in cone traps. Blends in ratios of 120021 and 220021 at 1000 g/ rubber septum dispenser remained highly effective for 6 weeks under field conditions. The essential minor components,Z-5-decenyl,Z-7-, andZ-9-dodecenyl acetates, became inhibitory at concentrations of about 10% in the blends, and this may be an important general phenomenon in lepidopteran pheromones. Blends involving a parapheromone,Z-5-undecenyl acetate, withZ-5-,Z-7-, andZ-9-dodecenyl acetate, in microgram ratios of 820021 or 2020062 were also excellent specific attractants for this species. TheZ-8-dodecenyl acetate had no obvious effect on the attraction of the redbacked cutworm males.     

Sex pheromone of aPlanotortrix excessana sibling species and reinvestigation of related species

The sex pheromone of aPlanotortrix excessana sibling species was investigated. Females were found to produce eight potential pheromone components: dodecyl acetate, tetradecyl acetate (14OAc). (Z)-5-tetradecenyl acetate (Z5-14OAc), (Z)-7-tetradecenyl acetate (Z7-14OAc), (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate, hexadecyl acetate, (Z)-7-hexadecenyl acetate, and (Z)-9-hexadecenyl acetate. When these compounds were bioassayed using field-trapping and wind-tunnel techniques, only 14OAc,Z5-14OAc, andZ7-14OAc were found to be behaviorally active. The sex pheromone glands of females of other species including,Planotortrix MBS,Planotortrix M,P. notophaea, Ctenopseustis servana, and aC. obliquana sibling species, were also found to containZ5-14OAc orZ7-14OAc, singly or in combination. In the case ofPlanotortrix M, the addition ofZ7-14OAc to the previously identified sex pheromone blend ofZ5-14OAc and 14OAc was found to increase trap captures of male moths of this species. Thus in these New Zealand species (and in some Australian species),Z5-14OAc andZ7-14OAc appear to be utilized in combination in pheromonal communication just as (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate are used by many species of Holarctic Tortricidae in the tribe Archipini.Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Tortricinae.     

Behavioral responses of maleArgyrotaenia velutinana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to components of its sex pheromone

Males of the redbanded leafroller,Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), were studied for their behavioral responses in laboratory olfactometers and in the field to the 3 components of the female-produced sex pheromone:cis-11-tetradecenyl acetate (c11–14Ac),trans-11-tetradecenyl acetate (t11–14Ac), and dodecyl acetate (12Ac). Dodecyl acetate, when evaporated with c11–14Ac (8%trans) in the field, modified the behavior of feral males nearby the chemical source, causing an increase in the frequency of landing and close approach to the pheromone dispenser. Apparently, an inflight behavioral modification concerning landing or not landing occurs within 60 cm of the source and is mediated by 12Ac. In laboratory olfactometers, c11–14Ac (8%trans) demonstrated a lower threshold for male activation than pure c11- and t11–14Ac and blends of the two isomers. Additionally, over a wide range of dosages, males responded with optimum wing-fanning response to c11–14Ac (8%trans) compared to pure c11–14Ac, c11–14:Ac (30%trans), and pure t11–14Ac, suggesting that thecistrans ratio rather than absolute amounts of either isomer, is a crucial factor in eliciting male response. When presented with c11–14Ac (8%trans) (11), dodecyl acetate caused a significant prolongation of wing-fanning over c11–14Ac (8%trans) alone and resulted in a greater percentage of males moving upwind to the source. Since the increase in wing-fanning and orientation occurred at higher concentrations of the 3-component mixture, the effect of 12Ac in the laboratory may reflect the close-range role of 12Ac in the field.     

Sex pheromone of the armyworm,Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

(Z)-11-Hexadecen-1-ol acetate (Z11–16Ac) free of theE isomer (<1%), hexadecan-1-ol acetate (16 Ac), and a hexadecen-1-ol [the (Z)-11 isomer based on the retention time on a Carbowax capillary column] were identified in extracts of the sex pheromone glands of adult virgin female armyworms,Pseudaletia unipuncta. Also, gas Chromatographic retention times on polar and nonpolar columns indicated the possible presence of (Z)-9-hexadecen-1-ol acetate (Z9–16Ac). The ratioZ11–16Ac/16Ac/Z11–16OH/Z9–16Ac was 10.150.130.02. Infield testsZ11–16 Ac was attractive alone, and the addition ofZ9–16Ac,Zll–16 OH, or 16 Ac singly or in combination in ratios found in the gland did not increase trap capture.Mention of a proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement of this product by the USDA.     

Apple ermine moth,Yponomeuta malinellus Zeller Two components of female sex pheromone gland highly effective in field trapping tests

When electroantennographic responses of maleYponomeuta malinellus Zeller to model compounds were determined at dosages of 0.3–30 ng, the strongest responses were obtained from (Z)-9-dodecen-1-ol acetate (Z9–12Ac). Also, strong responses were obtained from (Z)-11-tetradecenal (Z11–14A1) and (Z)-11-tetradecen-1-ol (Zl1–14OH). At a dosage of 0.3 ng,Z11–14A1 produced a stronger response thanZ11–14OH, while at a dosage of 30 ng,Z11–14OH andZ11–14A1 produced equal responses. Gas chromatographic and mass spectral analysis of extracts of female sex pheromone glands showed the presence ofZ9–12Ac, tetradecan-1-ol (14OH), (E)-11-tetradecen-1-ol (E11–14OH),Z11–14OH, hexadecan-1-ol, and hexadecan-1-ol acetate in a ratio of 0.62003710014035. In field tests,Z9–12Ac andZ11–14OH together were required for trap catch, and addition ofZ11–14A1,E11–14OH, 14OH, or (Z)-11-tetradecen-1-ol acetate did not increase catch. Ratios in rubber septa of 0.599.5 to 1.598.5 (Z9–12 Ac/Z11–14OH) captured the most males and captures were statistically equivalent for dosages of 10–1000 g/rubber septum. Traps baited with the synthetic lure produced better catches than those baited with females.Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae.     

Sex pheromone components of corn stalk borerSesamia nonagriodes (Lef.) isolation,identification, and field tests

Z-11-Hexadecenyl acetate (Z11–16OAc), dodecyl acetate (12OAc),Z-11-hexadecenal (Z11–16Aid), andZ-11-hexadecenol (Z11– 16OH), were found in pheromone gland extracts of femaleSesamia nonagriodes (Lef.) [Lepidoptera: Noctuidae]. These four components were also present in airborne volatiles collected from calling virgin females in a 651889 ratio. Hexadecyl acetate (16OAc) was also detected but found to be inactive. The identification was based on multicolumn GC analysis, mass spectrometry, and field activity.Z11–16OAc is the major sex pheromone component; the addition of the secondary components individually decreased male captures. The blend of the four synthetic components in 691588 ratio was highly attractive to males; 200 g per trap was the most effective concentration in field tests.Lepidoptera: Noctuidae     

Intraspecific variation and interspecific differences in sex pheromones of sibling species inCtenopseustis obliquana complex

The specific status ofCtenopseustis obliquana pheromone-types I, II, and III has been more fully examined. Females of types I and III produce a mixture of (Z)-8- and (Z)-5-tetradecenyl acetates (Z8-14:Ac, Z5-14: Ac). The previously reported different ratios of these two components in females of the two types (type I=8020, III=9010) have been reinvestigated. The median ratios of each type differed significantly, although there was some overlap in the ranges of these ratios. A field cage trial showed that males of type III are attracted to females of type I, so the observed differences may be ascribed to intraspecific variation. In contrast to females of types I or III, females of type II produce Z5-14Ac but no Z8-14Ac. The electroantennogram (EAG) profile of antennae of type II males shows a maximum response to Z5-14Ac, while the EAG profiles of types I and III show a strong response to Z8-14Ac. In wind tunnel tests using mixtures of these two compounds, type II males prefer blends consisting of all or mostly Z5-14: Ac, while type I males showed a preference to a mix of 70% Z8-14Ac plus 30% Z5-14Ac. We found that type I males are attracted to type I females when offered a choice between type I and type II females in a field cage test and that type II males similarly prefer type II females. Males of types I and II have specialist cells for Z8-14Ac and Z5-14Ac but differ with respect to relative densities of these cells and to further cell types responsive to other alkenyl acetates. Type IIC. obliquana is considered therefore a sibling species of types I and III. In addition, the amount of Z5-14Ac produced by type II females varied geographically. Females from the North Island produced significantly less (median=1.2 ng) Z5-14Ac than females from the South Island (median=2.2 ng). Type II populations in the North Island morphologically resembled sympatric type I, rather than type II from the South Island and are designated as type II (North Island). Type II (North Island) populations have so far been found only at Rukuhia (near Hamilton) and from Kerikeri. In contrast, type II populations are sympatric with type III populations over much of the South Island. In a field cage trial, males of types II and II (North Island) were attracted to females of both II and II (North Island). We tentatively ascribe the differences between type II and type II (North Island) to intraspecific variation.     

Sex pheromone ofEupoecilia ambiguella female: Analysis and male response to ternary blend

Sex gland extracts and washes ofEupoecilia ambiguella contain 10–20 ng/female of the primary sex pheromone componentZ-9-dodecenyl acetate (Z9–12Ac), accompanied by a number of related compounds. These areE-9-dodecenyl acetate (E9–12Ac),Z-9-dodecen-1-ol (Z9–12OH), saturated acetates of 12, 16, 18, and 20 carbons, and traces of a doubly unsaturated acetate, tentatively identified as a 9,11-dodecadienyl acetate. Octadecyl acetate predominates among the pheromone-related components, making up 1–2, occasionally 20–30 times the amount ofZ9–12Ac. The same compounds were also found in field-collected females and in effluvia.Z-9-Undecenyl acetate, which is a male attractant on its own, was also found in a sample of female effluvia. A hierarchy is observed in the ethological function of the pheromone components.Z9–12Ac is an attractant forE. ambiguella males. Dodecyl acetate (12Ac) is not attractive on its own but augments male catch when added to the main attractant. Addition of 18Ac augments attraction only when bothZ9–12Ac and 12Ac are present. Windtunnel tests demonstrate that 18Ac also raises the disorientation threshold, as previously shown for 12Ac. Other compounds, with the possible exception of additional saturated acetates, had either no effect on trap catch or, in the case ofE9–12Ac,Z9–12OH, andE-9,11-dodecadienyl acetate, were inhibitory above a certain level. A blend of roughly equal parts ofZ9–12Ac, 12Ac, and 18Ac provides the best attractant blend forE. ambiguella known to date.     

Blackheaded fireworm: Laboratory and field studies of its sex pheromone

Electroantennogram (EAG) responses of maleRhopobota naevana (Hübner), the blackheaded fireworm, to all of the monoene straightchain 12- and 14-carbon alcohols and acetates implicated (Z)-11-tetradecenl-1-ol (Z11–14OH) and its acetate (Z11–14Ac) as sex pheromone components.Z11–14Ac produced the strongest EAG response of all compounds tested. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of extract of female sex pheromone glands (SPG) confirmed the presence ofZ11–14OH (125 pg/female) andZ11–14Ac (600 pg/female) (all other monoenes had different retention times). In field tests, traps baited withZ11–14OH alone captured males, but traps baited withZ11–14Ac alone did not. Traps baited with a combination ofZ11–14OH andZ11–14Ac in various ratios did not produce better trap catches thanZ11–14OH alone. (Z)-9-Dodecen-1-ol acetate (Z9–12Ac), reported by others to be a field attractant, did not produce trap catch in our tests, but in combination withZ11–14 OH (982 in septa corresponding to 95:5 in vapor,Z11–14OH toZ9–12AC) produced a sevenfold increase in catch overZ11–14OH alone. IfZ9–12AC had been present in extract of SPG at 2–5% ofZ11–14OH, it would not have been detected in our GC-MS experiment. Rhopobota naevana (Hübner) Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae.     

Pheromone variation among eastern European and a western Asian population of the turnip mothAgrotis segetum

The female sex pheromone composition and the male electro-physiological response with respect to the three main sex pheromone components, (Z)-5-decenyl acetate, (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate, and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate, were investigated in populations ofAgrotis segetum from Armenia and Bulgaria. The percentage composition of the female-produced pheromone was 15247 and 14257 for the respective populations. Corresponding male receptor frequencies were 9901 and 6922. EAG response profiles of the male antennae were similar for the two populations. The populations from Armenia and Bulgaria differed from the earlier investigated French and Swedish populations, which have larger amounts of (Z)-5-decenyl acetate in gland extracts and have a majority of (Z)-5-decenyl acetate-sensitive receptors. Investigation of receptor frequencies on antennae of male Hungarian moths showed that individuals could be classified as either Swedish or Armenian/Bulgarian type. Males of the Swedish type were preferentially attracted to the three-component pheromone blend, whereas blends of (Z)-7-dodecenyl and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate, and (Z)-7-dodecenol [pure or in mixture with (Z)-5-decenol] attracted the Armenian/Bulgarian type. The nature of pheromone variation among European and Asian populations of the turnip moth and possible mechanisms maintaining the variation are discussed.Schiff. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).     

Identification of a four-component sex pheromone of the female oriental fruit moth,Grapholitha molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The female-emitted pheromone ofGrapholitha molesta (Busck), the Oriental fruit moth, was collected by holding females in glass flasks during calling. Flask washes were found to contain four pheromone components: (Z)-8-dodecenyl acetate and (E)-8-dodecenyl acetate in a 1007 ratio, and (Z)-8-dodecen-1-ol and dodecanol in a 10020 ratio. The ratio of (Z)-8-acetate to (Z)-8-dodecen-1-ol was approx. 10030. Approximately 0.1–0.2 ng of pheromone was recovered per female per hour of calling.Published as Journal Article No. 8598 of the Michigan State University Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Individual variation in sex pheromone of smaller tea tortrix moth,Adoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Female smaller tea tortrix mothsAdoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), which initiated calling at 1, 2, or 3 days old, respectively, were analyzed individually for (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11-14:OAc) and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9–14: OAc) in the pheromone gland via GLC. Among different age groups, broad and similar distributions were found for pheromone quantity (¯X=58.6±52.9 ng/female; range 1.3–219.8 ng/female). The ratio of the two pheromone components averaged 6535 but ranged from 8416 to 4060. The significance of the pheromone blend variation to the attraction of males was tested in a field experiment. The ratio of males trapped by the most attractive blend versus the least attractive one was 2.2.     

Sex pheromone components of female smaller tea tortrix moth,Adoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Taiwan

(Z)-11-Teiradecenyl acetate (Z11-14: Ac) and (Z)-9-tetrade-cenyl acetate (Z9–14: Ac) were isolated as major sex pheromone components from the female tips of the smaller tea tortrix moth,Adoxophyes sp., in Taiwan. The average amount ofZ11- andZ9–14: Ac in each female gland was 24.9 and 14.1 ng, in a ratio of 6436, respectively. When compared to a closely related Japanese strain, which used theZ9-14: Ac,Z11-14 Ac,E11–14:Ac, 10-Me-12:Ac four-component system (in a ratio of 633142), the Taiwan formulation of two components caught significantly more Taiwan males than the Japanese formulation of four components.     

Sex pheromone of a conifer-feeding budworm,Choristoneura retiniana,Walsingham

Sex pheromone components collected from femaleChristoneura retiniana included 11-tetradecenyl acetates and alcohols. The major component wasE-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11–14Ac) with a lesser amount ofZ isomer necessary to induce male response. A 928 ratio ofE,Z11–14 Ac appeared optimal. The alcohol component was present at about 10% of the total pheromone mixture, and traps baited with acetates plus alcohol surpassed unmated females in their degree of attractiveness. Chemical analysis indicated a 9:1 ratio of theE — Z isomers of 11-tetradecenyl alcohol (11–14ol) pheromone components, although bait formulations containing a predominance of either theE orZ isomers were equally successful in field bioassays. Based on male response to traps,E- andZ11–14Ac (928E — Z) are essential pheromone components for long-range sex attraction. The 11–14 ol enhanced attraction when added at 10% of the total pheromone blend.This paper reports the results of research only. Mention of a commercial product does not constitute a recommendation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.