Analysis of sex pheromone production and field trapping of the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée) in Xinjiang, China

Abstract

Identifying the sex pheromone systems of local pest populations facilitates their management, especially for moth species that show significant geographic variation in sex pheromone communication. We investigated the pheromone production and behavioral responses of the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée; ACB) in Xinjiang, China. The ACB produces three compounds: (Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetate (Z12-14:Ac) and (E)-12-tetradecenyl acetate (E12-14:Ac) which are two sex pheromone compounds, and n-tetradecyl acetate (14:Ac) which has variable roles in mediating behavioral responses. The ratios of these three compounds produced in female gland are geographically distinct among different populations. Quantitative analysis of pheromone production showed that the proportions of Z12-14:Ac in the E/Z isomers (i.e., Z and E12-14:Ac) and the proportions of 14:Ac in the ternary blend respectively averaged 60.46% (SD=5.26) and 25.00% (SD=7.37), with their probabilities normally or near-normally distributed. Trapping experiments in a cornfield indicated that deploying the E/Z isomers and the three compounds in rubber septa close to their gland ratios yielded the most captured males, while other ratios that deviated from the gland ratios showed reduced field captures. The ternary blend was significantly more attractive to males than the E/Z isomers in the field, indicating a functional role of 14:Ac as the third pheromone component used by the local population. Additionally, the dose-response test demonstrated that the application of the three compounds at dosages between 200 and 350 μg attracted significantly more males compared to other dosages. Therefore, the characterization of this local ACB pheromone system provides additional information about its geographic variation and serves as a basis for optimizing the pheromone-mediated control of this pest in Xinjiang.