A multicomponent female sex pheromone ofDacus oleae Gmelin: Isolation and bioassay

The sex attractant pheromone produced by femaleDacus oleae Gmelin is a mixture of four compounds, two of which are found in the rectal gland and the other two elsewhere in the insect body. The ratio of these compounds in the pheromone blend was measured. Biological activity of all four compounds and their combinations was studied in lab and field cage tests. The most abundant compound in the mixture (55.7%) shows the highest biological activity. Recombination of all compounds significantly increases activity of the main compound.Diptera: Tephritidae.This work was partly supported by NATO research grant No. 1352.