Optimization of Pheromone Lure and Trap Characteristics for Currant Clearwing, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Synanthedon tipuliformis</Emphasis>

Currant clearwing Synanthedon tipuliformis (Sesiidae) has been a pioneering and successful target of mating disruption in New Zealand, with virtually universal black currant industry adoption since c. 1990. Recent unexplained control failures using mating disruption lead to questions about pheromone efficacy. In this study, we have investigated the possible reasons for reduced control from mating disruption, and report improvements in trap catch based on pheromone loading and trap color. No differences were found in electrophysiological responses to pheromone components from two New Zealand populations. Male moth catches in traps baited with synthetic lures were disrupted in the presence of mating disruption dispensers (> 99.99%) indicating no apparent barrier to efficacy from the pheromone formulation. Field behavioral observations confirmed this result. Male attraction to yellow delta traps was equivalent to green delta traps, but was greater than to red, black, blue, or white traps. Solid yellow delta traps were more attractive than black traps with yellow stripes, the latter designed to mimic the color pattern of the insect. Solid yellow funnel traps were less attractive than a composite of green, yellow, and white funnel traps. Trap catch increased as a function of pheromone loading and trap color. In another experiment conducted in Tasmania, there was no difference in catch with single component [(E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienyl acetate] or two component lures [97% (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienyl acetate:3% (E,Z)-3,13-octadecadienyl acetate], refuting the suggestion of a different pheromone strain there.     

Mating Disruption of Plodia interpunctella in Small-Scale Plots: Effects of Pheromone Blend, Emission Rates, and Population Density

An indoor mating disruption experiment was performed on the stored-product pest Plodia interpunctella. The female of this species emits a four-component pheromone blend consisting of Z9,E12–14 : OAc, Z9,E12–14 : OH, Z9,E12–14 : Ald, and Z9–14 : OAc. Mating of Plodia interpunctella was disrupted up to 93% by using synthetic pheromone in small-scale plot experiments. The study was performed in 2.5 m × 2.5 m × 2.5 m polythene cubicles housed in a greenhouse, and pheromones were released by MSTRS spraying every 15~min. The disruption effect was tested at different doses 0.075, 0.75, and 3.75 mg/spray (corresponding to 5, 50, and 250 g/min), different pheromone formulas (one-component (Z9,E12–14 : OAc) and four-component), and at different population densities (10, 20, and 30 individuals, equivalent to 0.32, 0.64, and 0.96 individuals/m²). The moths were released into the cubicles and recaptured 24 hr later. The females were checked for spermatophore presence indicating successful mating. The mating was significantly suppressed in all treatments compared to the control. There was, however, no difference in mating activity between the one-component and four-component disruptants. In addition, EAG measurements were conducted with a portable device to keep track of aerial concentrations of pheromone. The results show that the one-component formula disrupts mating as efficiently as the more complete four-component blend at doses applied in this study. This fact improves the prospects for mating disruption of indoor pyralids, since many pyralid species share the major component in their pheromones, and, thus, can probably be controlled simultaneously by using this compound only.     

Sex Pheromone of the Saturniid Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hemileuca burnsi</Emphasis>, from the Western Mojave Desert of California

The sex pheromone blend of Hemileuca burnsi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) from the western Mojave Desert was determined to be a combination of (10E,12Z)-hexadecadien-1-yl acetate (E10,Z12-16:Ac), (10E,12Z)-hexadecadien-1-ol (E10,Z12-16:OH), (10E,12E)-hexadecadien-1-yl acetate (E10,E12-16:Ac), and hexadecyl acetate (16:Ac). (10E,12Z)-Hexadecadienal (E10,Z12-16:Ald) was tentatively identified in pheromone gland extracts based on electroantennographic responses and, when added to the above blend, it enhanced trap captures at low doses. The mean ratio of the compounds in extracts of pheromone glands was 100:23:232:14:0.4 (E10,Z12-16:Ac: E10,E12-16:Ac: 16:Ac: E10,Z12-16:OH: E10,Z12-16:Ald). Field trials indicated that although E10,Z12-16:Ac and E10,Z12-16:OH were essential for attraction, the two-component blend was not attractive by itself. Addition of the three other compounds was necessary for maximum attraction, rendering this the most complicated pheromone blend described for a Hemileuca species to date. Similarities between the sex pheromone of H. burnsi and that of the allopatric Hemileuca electra electra and differences between the blends of H. burnsi and that of the sympatric H. electra mojavensis support a case for reproductive character displacement in the pheromone communication channel of H. electra.     

Sensory Imbalance as Mechanism of Orientation Disruption in the Leafminer <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllocnistis citrella</Emphasis>: Elucidation by Multivariate Geometric Designs and Response Surface Models

Experimental designs developed to address mixtures are suited ideally to many areas of experimental biology, including pheromone blend studies, because such designs address the confounding of proportionality and concentration intrinsic to factorial and one-factor-at-a-time designs. Geometric multivariate designs coupled with response surface modeling allowed us to identify optimal blends of a two-component pheromone for attraction and trap disruption of the leafminer moth, Phyllocnistis citrella, a major pest in citrus growing areas around the world. Field trials confirmed that the natural 3:1 blend of (Z,Z,E)-7,11,13-hexadecatrienal:(Z,Z)-7,11-hexadecadienal was most effective as an attractant for male moths. However, the response surface generated in mating orientation trials revealed that the triene component alone was more effective than the natural blend in disrupting trap catch. Each individual component was effective at disrupting orientation in field trials, but (Z,Z,E)-7,11,13-hexadecatrienal was approximately 13 times more effective, at the same concentration, compared with (Z,Z)-7,11-hexadecadienal alone. In addition, the application of geometric design and response surface modeling to field studies provided insight into a possible mechanism of mating disruption and supported sensory imbalance as the operating mechanism for this species.     

(3Z,6Z,9Z, 12Z, 15Z)-Pentacosapentaene, a key pheromone component of the fir coneworm moth, Dioryctria abietivorella

The sex pheromone of the fir coneworm moth consists of a blend of (3Z,6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)-pentacosapentaene and (9Z,11E)-tetradecadienyl acetate. Analogous blends of polyunsaturated, long-chain hydrocarbons with much shorter chain aldehydes or alcohols recently have been discovered in three other moth species in the superfamily Pyraloidea. These combinations of components from two distinct structural classes may represent an important and widespread new pheromone blend motif within the Lepidoptera.     

Sex Pheromone of Apple Blotch Leafminer, Phyllonorycter crataegella, and Its Effect on P. mespilella Pheromone Communication

(Z)-10,(Z)-12-Tetradecadienyl acetate (Z10,Z12–14:OAc) and (E)-10,(E)-12-tetradecadienyl acetate (E10,E12–14:OAc) are sex pheromone components of the apple blotch leafminer (ABLM), Phyllonorycter crataegella. Compounds extracted from female pheromone glands were identified by coupled gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses, retention index calculations of EAD-active compounds, and by comparative GC-EAD analyses of female ABLM-produced and authentic (synthetic) compounds. In field experiments in apple Malus domestica orchards in Connecticut, Z10,Z12–14:OAc alone attracted ABLM males. Addition of E10,E12–14:OAc to Z10,Z12–14:OAc at 0.1:10 or 1:10 ratios enhanced attractiveness of the lure. Geometrical isomers Z10,E12- or E10,Z12–14:OAc at equivalent ratios were behaviorally benign and slightly inhibitory, respectively. In field experiments in British Columbia, Z10,Z12–14:OAc plus E10,E12–14:OAc did not attract Phyllonorycter moths, supporting the contention that ABLM is not present in the fruit growing regions of British Columbia. Z10,Z12–14:OAc added to P. mespilella pheromone, (E)-4,(E)-10-dodecadienyl acetate, strongly inhibited response by P. mespilella males. Recognition of the ABLM pheromone blend by allopatric P. mespilella males suggests a phylogenetic relationship and previous sympatry of these two Phyllonorycter spp. If pheromonal attraction of ABLM males were reciprocally inhibited by P. mespilella pheromone, a generic Phyllonorycter pheromone blend could be tested for pheromone-based mating disruption of the apple leaf-mining Phyllonorycter guild in North America.     

Sex pheromone of the european sunflower moth,Homoeosoma nebulellum (Den. & Schiff.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Four components, (Z)-9-tetradecenal (8.6%), (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienal (4.8%), (Z)-11-hexadecenal (49.5%), and (Z)-13-octadecenal (37.1%), were identified in extracts of female pheromone glands of the European sunflower moth,Homoeosoma nebulellum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) using GC and GC-MS analyses. EAG and single-cell recordings of male antennal receptors gave strong evidence for (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienal as the antennal key compound of sex pheromone detection in this species. This result was confirmed by field trapping; removal of (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienal from quaternary blends completely suppressed the male catches. The synthetic blends with this compound as a major component caught five times less males than the blends reproducing the ratio found in the female extracts [5% of (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienal only]. The occurrence of a minor component perceived as the most biologically relevant compound is discussed.     

Identification of sex pheromone of bristly cutworm,Lacinipolia renigera (Stephens)

The sex pheromone of the bristly cutworm moth,Lacinipolia renigera was identified as a blend of (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (itZ9–14): Ac and (Z, E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate (ZE-9,12–14: Ac). Extracts of female glands were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography on three columns of different polarities. In each analysis, peaks with retention times identical to Z9–14:Ac andZE–9, 12–14: Ac were observed. GC-MS analysis of gland extracts supported the identification of these two compounds. Volatiles emitted from female sex pheromone glands during 10-min collection periods contained 7.8 ±2.01 ng ofZ9- 14: Ac. On average the blend contained 3.8 ± 1.43%ZE-9,12–14: Ac. Blends ranging from 1% to 10%ZE- 9,12–14: Ac in Z9-14: Ac (1 mg) were effective in capturing males in the field. The number of males captured in traps baited with a 3 % blend ofZE- 9,12-14: Ac in Z9-14: Ac was not significantly different than the number caught in traps containing two virgin females.     

Production and release of (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienal by sex pheromone glands of females ofPlodia interpunctella (lepidoptera: pyralidae)

Extracts of sex pheromone glands obtained from females ofPloida interpunctella contained detectable amounts of (Z,E,)-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol acetate (Z9,E12–14:Ac) and (Z,E.)-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol (Z9,E12–14:OH) 4 hr prior to the first scotophase after adult emergence. The amount of pheromone increased during the first 4 hr of the scotophase and then declined to low levels during the subsequent photophase. Decapitation of females immediately after emergence, prior to expansion of the wings, inhibited production of pheromone during the subsequent 48 hr. Injection of extracts of the heads of 1-day-old females ofP. interpunctella of partially purified extracts of the cephalic ganglia of females of the corn earworm moth into decapitated females stimulated production of bothZ9,E12–14:Ac andZ9,E12–14:OH as well as production of (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienal (Z9,E12–14:Al). This aldehyde was subsequently identified from extracts of pheromone glands obtained from naturally calling females as well as from volatiles emitted by calling females. Studies on the terminal steps in biosynthesis of the pheromone showed thatZ9,E12–14:OH was produced from the corresponding acetate and thatZ9,E12–14:Al was produced from the alcohol via the action of an oxidase(s).     

Sex Attractant Pheromone of Saturniid Moth Coloradia velda

The female-produced sex attractant pheromone of Coloradia velda has been identified by a combination of analytical methods and field tests as a blend of (10E,12Z)-hexadecadien-1-yl acetate (10E,12Z–16:Ac), (10E,12E)-hexadecadien-1-yl acetate (10E,12E–16:Ac), and (10E,12Z)-hexadecadien-1-ol (10E,12Z–16:OH) in a 10:1:0.33 ratio, respectively. The corresponding aldehyde (10E,12Z–16:Ald) was also found in extracts of female pheromone glands, but in blends with 10E,12Z–16:Ac and 10E,12E–16:Ac at low doses did not significantly increase the attractiveness of baits to male moths.     

Identification Of Sex Pheromone Components Of The Painted Apple Moth: A Tussock Moth With A Thermally Labile Pheromone Component

The sex pheromone of the painted apple moth, Teia anartoides (Lymantriidae) was investigated using GC-EAD and GC-MS analysis, derivatization, TLC analysis, and field cage and field trapping bioassays. The major sex pheromone components were identified as (6Z,9Z)-henicosa-6,9-dien-11-one and (6Z,9Z)-henicosa-6,9-diene. Other minor components of pheromone gland extracts included (6Z)-9R,10S-epoxyeicos-6-ene, (6Z)-9R,10S-epoxyhenicos-6-ene, (6Z,9Z)-henicosa-6,9-dien-11-ol, (6Z)-henicos-6-en-11-one, and (6Z, 8E)-henicosa-6,8-dien-11-one, but the roles of these minor components remain equivocal. In field cage and field experiments, a blend of all seven identified components [(6Z,9Z)-henicosa-6,9-dien-11-one (relative amount 100), (6Z,9Z)-henicosa-6,9-diene (100), (6Z)-9R,10S-epoxyeicos-6-ene (5), (6Z)-9R,10S-epoxyhenicos-6-ene (10), (6Z,9Z)-henicosa-6,9-dien-11-ol (5), (6Z)-henicos-6-en-11-one (1), and (6Z,8E)-henicosa-6,8-dien-11-one (25)] was as attractive to males as calling females, but tests with blends of the major component(s) with subsets of the minor components did not produce consistent results that unequivocally showed the various minor components to be critical components of the active blend. (6Z,9Z)-henicosa-6,9-dien-11-one is thermally labile and rearranges to (6Z,8E)-henicosa-6,8-dien-11-one and other products at ambient temperature, rendering the synthetic pheromone lure inactive after two days of field exposure.     

Bidirectional Selection for Novel Pheromone Blend Ratios in the Almond Moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cadra cautella</Emphasis>

The sex pheromone of the almond moth, Cadra cautella, is a blend of (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9,E12–14:Ac, the major component capable of inducing attraction alone) and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9–14:Ac, the minor component, which is unattractive alone but augments attraction of the major component). In this study, the ratio of the two components responded to artificial directional selection in five of six selected lines, whereas no change was observed in the three control lines. The mean ratio (±SE) of Z9,E12–14:Ac to Z9–14:Ac went from 13.72 ± 1.02:1 to 20.13 ± 0.68:1 in high line 1, an increase of 47%. In the second high-selected line, the mean ratio (±SE) increased from 9.87 ± 0.54:1 to 15.89 ± 0.85:1, an increase of 61%. In low line 1, the mean ratio (±SE) in the parental generation was 10.74 ± 0.78:1 and 7.35 ± 0.41:1 in the last selected generation, a decrease of 32%. The response to selection was greater in low line 2, as the mean ratio (±SE) decreased from 10.11 ± 0.66:1 to 5.65 ± 0.55:1 in the last generation, a decrease of 44%. In low line 3, the mean ratio (±SE) in the parental generation was 13.63 ± 0.82:1 and 6.47 ± 0.26:1 in the last generation, a decrease of 53%. The response to selection was approximately symmetrical with a mean increase of 54% and a mean decrease of 43%. The increases in ratio observed in the high lines were caused by an increase in the titer of the Z9,E12–14:Ac component with no concurrent change in the titer of the component Z9–14:Ac. Among the low selected lines, the titers of both components increased; however, there was a greater relative increase in the titer of the component Z9–14:Ac. The absolute and relative titers of the sex pheromone components had decreased significantly in the F10 generation in some of the selected lines, five generations after the discontinuation of selection.     

Sex pheromone of tomato fruit borer, Neoleucinodes elegantalis

Five candidate pheromone components were identified by analyzing pheromone gland extracts by gas chromatography (GC), coupled GC-electroantennographic detection (EAD), and coupled GC-mass spectrometry (MS): (E)-11-hexadecenol(E11–16 : OH), (Z)-11-hexadecenol (Z11–16 : OH),(E)-11-hexadecenal, (E)-11-hexadecenyl acetate, and (Z)-3,(Z)-6,(Z)-9-tricosatriene (Z3,Z6,Z9–23 : Hy). In electroantennogram (EAG) recordings, synthetic E11–16 : OH elicited stronger antennal responses at low doses than other candidate pheromone components. Field tests demonstrated that synthetic E11–16 : OH as a trap bait was effective in attracting males, whereas addition of Z11–16 : OH inhibited the males' response. Z3,Z6,Z9–23 : Hy strongly enhanced attractiveness of E11–16 : OH, but was not attractive by itself. A pheromone blend with synergistic behavioral activity of an alcohol (E11–16 : OH) and hydrocarbon (Z3,Z6,Z9–23 : Hy) component is most unusual in the Lepidoptera. The synthetic two-component pheromone is approximately 60 times more attractive than the female-produced blend and might facilitate the control of this pest.     

Evolution of behavioral responses to sex pheromone in mutant laboratory colonies ofTrichoplusia ni

Male cabbage looper moths,Trichoplusia ni, from two colonies in which all females express an abnormal sex pheromone production phenotype were evaluated in a laboratory wind tunnel for upwind flight responses to the normal and abnormal sex pheromones. The abnormal sex pheromone blend consisted of 20 times as much (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate and 30-fold less (Z)-5-dodecenyl acetate compared to the normal pheromone blend. Initially, these males exhibited poor behavioral responses to the abnormal sex pheromone and maximum responses to the normal pheromone blend, indicating that there was no linkage between signal production and response. After 49 generations of laboratory rearing, males from the mutant colonies maintained good responses to the normal pheromone and increased their behavioral response to the abnormal sex pheromone to the same levels as for the normal pheromone. Over the same period, normal males maintained their preference for the normal pheromone. These results indicated that evolution had occurred in mutant colonies in favor of greater male responsiveness to the abnormal sex pheromone, resulting in the broadening of the response spectrum to pheromone blend ratios. This evolution presumably resulted from a mating advantage to those males that did not discriminate against mutant-type females in the mutant colonies.     

Three European corn borer populations in New York based on sex pheromones and voltinism

Pheromone blend analyses of glands from individual female European corn borers,Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), from field-collected larvae or pupae associated with bivoltine flights in June and August and a univoltine flight in July have shown that: (1) a site in western New York has a bivoltine biotype utilizing (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate as its primary pheromone component (designatedZ), (2) two sites in central New York have mixed populations consisting of a bivoltine biotype utilizing theE pheromone isomer (designatedE) and a univoltine biotype utilizingZ, and (3) one site in central New York was found to have only the univoltineZ biotype. The combinations of voltine biotypes and pheromone strains found in New York support the existence of three European corn borer populations designated bivoltineE, bivoltineZ, and univoltineZ.     

(7<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis>,9<Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>)-2-Methyl-7,9-Octadecadiene: A Sex Pheromone Component of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lymantria Bantaizana</Emphasis>

Our objective was to identify the sex pheromone of Lymantria bantaizana (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) whose larvae feed exclusively on walnut, Juglans spp., in China, and Japan. Coupled gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses of pheromone gland extracts revealed a single EAD-active component. Retention index calculations of this compound on four GC columns suggested that it was a methyl-branched octadecadiene with conjugated double bonds. In GC-EAD analyses of 2-methyloctadecenes, (Z)-2-methyl-7-octadecene and (E)-2-methyl-7-octadecene elicited the strongest antennal responses, suggesting that the double bond positions were at C7 and C9. In comparative GC-EAD analyses of pheromone gland extract and stereoselectively synthesized isomers (E,E; E,Z; Z,E; Z,Z) of 2-methyl-7,9-octadecadiene, the (E,Z)- and (Z,E)-isomer had retention times identical to that of the candidate pheromone, but only the latter isomer elicited strong EAD activity. Results of field experiments in Japan substantiated that (7Z,9E)-2-methyl-7,9-octadecadiene is the L. bantaizana sex pheromone, a compound previously unknown in the Lepidoptera. Detection surveys in North America for exotic Eurasian forest defoliators could include traps baited with the L. bantaizana pheromone.     

Sex pheromone of femaleMyelois cribrella Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Females ofMyelois cribrella contain about 20 ng/gland of the primary sex pheromone components (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate, (9Z,12E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate, and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate in proportions of 4115, respectively. These physiologically active components are accompanied by a number of related compounds such as (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol, hexadecyl acetate, (9Z,12E)-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol, (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-ol, octadecyl acetate, octadecan-1-ol, and eicosyl and docosyl acetates. Octadecyl acetate, the most abundant component, represents about 42 ng/female moth; however, no physiological activity could be attributed to it. In field tests, a trap baited with a 1-mg mixture of (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate, (9Z,12E)-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate, and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate in a ratio of 121 caught more male moths than three live female moths.Pheromones, 58. Pheromones, 57: Bestmann et al. (1987).     

Mating Disruption of Guatemalan Potato Moth Tecia Solanivora by Attractive and Non-Attractive Pheromone Blends

The behavioral mechanisms of mating disruption in Guatemalan potato moth Tecia solanivora were studied using the sex pheromone components, (E)-3-dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-3-dodecenyl acetate, and dodecyl acetate, formulated in a 100:1:20-ratio mimicking the female-produced blend, and in a 100:56:100 off-blend ratio. The mode of action of these two blends was tested in mating disruption experiments in the field and in a greenhouse, as well as in a laboratory wind tunnel. Field treatments with both blends at 80 g pheromone per ha reduced male attraction to trap lures baited with 100 μg of female sex pheromone. In mesh-house treatments, these two blends were equally effective at reducing male attraction to traps baited with live females and mating of caged females. Subsequent flight tunnel tests corroborated that both blends reduced attraction of naive males to calling females, and pre-exposure of males with either dispenser blend for 24 hr resulted in a strongly reduced response to calling females. The pre-exposure effect was reversible, with males again responsive after 24 hr in clean air. The two dispenser formulations produced a similar effect on male behavior, despite the differences in blend composition. One mating disruption dispenser formulated with either the female-blend or off-blend elicited the same rate of male upwind attraction in a wind-tunnel bioassay. Sensory overload and camouflage, therefore, are contributing mechanisms to mating disruption using either blend. The off-blend, which is more economical to synthesize, is a valuable tool for further development of mating disruption against this major pest of potatoes in Latin America.     

(Z)-11-Hexadecenal and (3Z,6Z,9Z)-tricosatriene: sex pheromone components of the red banded mango caterpillar Deanolis sublimbalis

The sex pheromone of the red banded mango caterpillar, Deanolis sublimbalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a serious pest of the mango Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae) in India and Southeast Asia and a recent invader into northern Australia, has been identified. Three candidate compounds were identified from pheromone gland extracts of female moths, using gas chromatography (GC), GC-electroantennographic detection and GC-mass spectrometric analyses, in conjunction with dimethyldisulfide derivatization. Field bioassays established that both (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16:Ald) and (3Z,6Z,9Z)-tricosatriene (3Z,6Z,9Z-23:Hy) were required for attraction of male D. sublimbalis moths, and 1,000 μg of a 1:1 mix of Z11-16:Ald and 3Z,6Z,9Z-23:Hy was more attractive to male moths than caged virgin females. However, the binary blend was only attractive when the isomeric purity of the monounsaturated aldehyde was >99%, suggesting that the (E)-isomer was inhibitory. Although (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-ol (Z11-16:OH) was tentatively identified in gland extracts, the addition of this compound to the binary blend did not increase the numbers of moths captured. The pheromone can now be used in integrated pest management strategies. Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at and is accessible for authorized users.     

Sex Pheromone of Ascogaster quadridentata, a Parasitoid of Cydia pomonella

Porapak Q volatile extracts of female Ascogaster quadridentata, an egg-larval endoparasitoid of codling moth, Cydia pomonella, bioassayed in Y-tube olfactometers attracted male, but not female, A. quadridentata. Coupled gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analysis of bioactive extracts revealed three compounds that elicited responses by male A. quadridentata antennae. GC-mass spectra (MS) indicated, and comparative analyses of authentic standards confirmed, that these compounds were (Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienal, (Z)-9-hexadecenal, and 3,7,11-trimethyl-6E,10-dodecadienal. (Z,Z)-9,12-Octadecadienal alone attracted laboratory-reared male A. quadridentata in Y-tube olfactometer and field-cage bioassays, and attracted feral A. quadridentata in a field experiment. This sex pheromone could be used to help detect populations of A. quadridentata, delineate their distributions, and determine potential sources of parasitoids for capture and release in integrated programs for control of C. pomonella.