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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Sugar beet crown borer,Hulstia undulatella (Clemens) 1: Identification and field tests of female sex pheromone gland components

Electroantennogram profiles of saturated and monounsaturated 12-, 14-, and 16-carbon acetates, and 12- and 14-carbon alcohols implicated (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol acetate (Z9-14: Ac) as a component of the female sex pheromone ofHulstia undulatella (Clemens). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of extract of the female sex pheromone glands showed the presence of Z9-14:Ac (8.5 ng/female), (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol (Z9-14:OH), and (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-ol acetate (Z11-16:Ac) in a ratio of 100421, respectively. In tests in sugar beet fields, Z9-14:Ac alone produced some trap catch. Addition of Z9-14: OH did not increase catch while addition of Z11-16:Ac eliminated catch, but addition of both Z9-14:OH and Z11-16: Ac increased catch sevenfold. A combination of Z9-14: OH and Z11-16: Ac without Z9-14: Ac did not produce trap catch. A lure of 200 g Z9-14:Ac+16 g Z9-14:OH+42 g Z11-16:Ac is suggested for use in monitoring traps.Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae.     

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.     

Identification and field testing of additional components of female sex pheromone of African armyworm,Spodoptera exempta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Ovipositor washings from virgin femaleSpodoptera exempta (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography (GC) linked to a male electroantennogram (EAG). GC retention times of the two major EAG responses observed were consistent with their assignment as (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate and (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate, as previously identified. However, three other EAG responses were also noted that had GC retention times consistent with (Z)-9-tetradecenal, (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-o 1, and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate. The components were present in the ratio of 10051.53.54, respectively. Further analysis of the ovipositor washings by GC linked to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) confirmed these findings and indicated the presence of a sixth component consistent with (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate present at 2 % of the major component. In field tests carried out in Kenya, (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate was the only newly identified component to enhance the catch of the original two-component mixture when presented in their natural ratio. The addition of (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol reduced catch, while (Z)-9-tetradecenal and (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate had no apparent effect.     

Sex pheromone evidence for two distinct taxa withinGraphania mutans (Walker)

The sex pheromones of two populations ofGraphania mutans (Walker) were analyzed. Females from an Auckland population produced (Z)-9-tetradecenol (Z9-14OH), (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14OAc), (Z)-7-tetradecenol (Z7-14OH) and (Z)-7-tetradecenyl acetate (Z7-14OAc), while females from a Lincoln population produced these four compounds and a large amount of (Z)-9-tetradecenal (Z9-14Ald). Significant differences, paralleling the difference between females, were observed when the responses of males of both populations to the above and other related compounds were tested by electroantennogram, field-trapping, and wind-tunnel bioassays. The most distinct difference was observed in the wind tunnel. Males from both taxa flew upwind and touched pheromone sources containing sex pheromone extract of females of their own taxon, but either did not initiate upwind flight or arrested upwind flight shortly after taking flight in response to extract from females of the other taxon. The difference between the pheromone systems of the two populations is probably due to the presence and importance of Z9-14Ald in the pheromone blend of the Lincoln population. Thus the addition of a relatively large amount of Z9-14Aid to a four-component pheromone blend (i.e., Z9-14OH, Z9-14OAc, Z7-14OH, andZ7-14OAc) attractive to Auckland males completely suppressed trap catches of male G.Mutans in Auckland but large numbers of males were caught at both Lincoln and Nelson in traps baited with this five-component blend. In wind-tunnel studies, the addition of even small (1% of amount of Z9-14OH) amounts ofZ9-14Ald to the four-component blend resulted in a significantly greater proportion of Auckland males arresting upwind flight than to the four-com ponent blend. It is suggested that these two populations of G. nations represent distinct sibling species within the described concept.LepidopteraNoctuidaeHadeninae.     

Sex pheromone ofGrapholita funebrana occurrence ofZ-8- andZ-10-Tetradecenyl acetate as secondary components

Z-8-Dodecenyl acetate (Z8–12Ac),E-8-dodecenyl acetate (E8–12Ac),Z-8-tetradecenyl acetate (Z8–14Ac),Z-10-tetradecenyl acetate (Z10–14Ac), andZ-8-dodecen-1-ol (Z8–12OH) were identified in the proportions 10013052 in female sex gland extracts ofGrapholita funebrana, accompanied by saturated acetates from 12 to 20 carbons with tetradecyl acetate predominating.Z10–14Ac has not previously been described as a lepidopteran sex pheromone component. Best attraction of males is obtained withZ8–12Ac in the presence of a higher proportion ofE8–12Ac than in the female. Inclusion of the 14-carbon acetates did not augmentG. funebrana catches but inhibitedG. molesta. On the other hand, addition ofZ8–12OH at the level optimal forG. molesta reduced attraction ofG. funebrana.     

Sex pheromone components of the fruit-tree leaf roller,Archips argyrospilus (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in British Columbia

In field experiments in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, the pheromone blend of (11Z)-tetradecen-1-ol acetate (Z11-14:OAc), (11E)-tetradecen-1-ol acetate (E 11-14:OAc), (9Z)-tetradecen-1-ol acetate (Z9-14:OAc) and dodecan-1-ol acetate (12: OAc) at a 1006421 ratio (western FTLR blend) attracted significantly more male fruit-tree leaf roller (FTLR),Archips argyrospilus (Walker), than did the previously reported four-component blend and modifications thereof. Addition of (11Z)-tetradecen-1-ol (Z11-14:OH) to the western FTLR blend in a ratio of 4% relative toZ11-14: OAc further significantly enhanced attraction. Compounds were identified and their ratio determined by coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic (GC-EAD) and coupled GC-mass spectrometric analyses of female FTLR pheromone gland extracts and by retention index calculations of candidate pheromone components. Determination and use of geographically specific pheromonal blends may be required for optimal, semiochemical-based biorational control of FTLR and other lepidopteran orchard pests.     

Sex pheromone components isolated from china corn borer,Ostrinia furnacalis guenée (lepidoptera: Pyralidae), (E)- and (Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetates

The sex pheromone components from the corn borer spreading widely in China,Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée, have been identified as (E)-and (Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetates (E andZ12–14 Ac). The ratio ofE isomer toZ isomer was 53 47. Traps containing 1 × 10^–7–1 × 10^–5 g of these compounds captured more males than did live females or their tip extract (3–6 female equivalents). Tetradecyl acetate (14 Ac) was also identified in the tip extract. Its quantity was about 1.8 times the sum of the other two isomers. However, including this compound in its natural ratio in pheromone traps resulted in a decrease in trap catches (P< 0.05).     

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     

Sex pheromone components of the variegated leafroller moth,Platynota flavedana

Female tip extracts of the variegated leafroller moth,Platynota flavedana (Clemens), were analyzed and found to contain a mixture of (E)-11-tetradecen-1-ol and (Z)-11-tetradecen-1-ol (91), as well as a mixture of (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (2-31). Small amounts of tetradecen-1-ol and tetradecyl acetate probably are also present. In the field, a mixture of the two alcohols (8416,EZ ratio) attracted significantly more male moths of this species than any other mixture tested. The data indicate that the acetates are probably not used as pheromone components.Lepidoptera:Tortricidae:Tortricinae.This research was supported in part by the Rockefeller Foundation and by NSF Grant No. GB-38020.     

Sex pheromone components of the blueberry leaftier mothCroesia curvalana kearfott (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The GC-MS and GC-EAD analyses of sex-gland components and sex-gland-released volatiles have identified (E)- and (Z)-11-tetradecenal (9010) and (E)- and (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (8515) as components of the sex pheromone chemical communication system ofCroesia curvalana (Kearfott). The aldehyde-to-acetate ratio of 91 was found in the gland-released components. This blend at a 0.1–1 g/day release rate from PVC lures was shown to be as effective as virgin females in the trapping of maleC. curvalana.     

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.     

Compounds modifying the activity of two sex attractants for males of the pea moth,Cydia nigricana (F.)

(E)-10-Dodecen-1-yl acetate (E10–12Ac) and (E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-1-ylacetate (E,E8,10–12Ac) are sex attractants for males of the pea moth,Cydia nigricana (F.). Thirty-two structurally related compounds with chain lengths of 9–14 carbon atoms were exposed withE10–12Ac orE,E8,10–12Ac in traps in the field to investigate their influence on the activity of the attractants. Only alchols and acetates unsaturated at C-8, -9, or -10 greatly influenced moth captures. (Z) and (E)-8-dodecen-1-ol were weak synergists forE10–12Ac but no synergists forE,E8,10–12Ac were found. (Z) and (E)-8-dodecen-1-yl acetate and (E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol inhibited bothE10–12Ac andE,E8,10–12Ac while (E)-10-dodecen-1-ol, 10-dodecyn-1-ol, (Z) and (E)-9-dodecen-1-yl acetate, (Z)-10-dodecen-1-yl acetate, and undecyl acetate inhibited only the former attractant.     

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.     

Role of (Z)- and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate pheromone components in the sexual behavior of the (Z) strain of the european corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

A glass tube olfactometer bioassay was used to examine pheromone response of males of the (Z)-pheromone strain ofOstrinia nubilalis (Hubner). The presence of (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate at the natural ratio to (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (973; ZE) did not consistently elevate wing-fanning, upwind walking, or clasper extrusion over (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate alone. This bioassay did not reveal the behavioral role of (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate.Published as Journal Article No. 10264 of the Michigan State University Agricultural Experiment Station.