Sex pheromone of fall armyworm

Two components of the fall armyworm,Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), sex pheromone, (Z)-9-dodecen-1-ol acetate (DDA) and (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol (TDA), were tested alone and in combination to determine their effects on male sexual response and inhibition of mating in the laboratory. The threshold response for FAW males was lower for TDA than for DDA, and males responded to TDA over a wider range of dosages. Although TDA is not attractive to FAW males in the field, this compound was highly effective in reducing mating under laboratory conditions.cooperating with the Insect Attractants, Behavior, and Basic Biology Research Laboratory, Gainesville, Florida 32604.