Synthesis of the two components of the sex pheromone system of the potato tuberworm moth,Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and field experience with them

Male potato tuberworm moths are attracted by a mixture oftrans-4,cis-7-tridecadien-1-ol acetate andtrans-4,cis-7,cis-10-tridecatrien-1-ol acetate. The synthesis of both compounds is described. Overall yields were 14.4 and 9.5% after distillation. The products were purified by liquid chromatography. Mixtures of these compounds in several ratios and quantities were tested in potato fields in Australia, Peru, and Cyprus. The largest catches were obtained from water pan traps baited with rubber sleeve stoppers containing both components in ratios varying between 19 and 91. The stoppers were attractive over a period of several months even under hot weather conditions.