Changes in pheromone titer of oblique-banded leafroller,Choristoneura rosaceana, virgin females as a function of time of day, age, and temperature

Abstract

Under a 16:8 hr light-dark photoperiod and 20†C constant temperature, the titers of (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11-14:Ac), (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (E11-14:Ac) and (Z)-11-tetradecenol (Z11-14:OH) produced by different-agedChoristoneura rosaceana virgin females varied significantly during the scotophase, with the maximum titer occurring before the onset of calling in day-0 and day-3 females, while in day-5 females the titer remained constant throughout the calling period. There was a significant decrease in the titer of all pheromone components with age, explaining the lesser attractiveness of day-5 females relative to day-0 and day-3 females observed in the field. Under a cold thermocycle simulating condition during the second flight period in the fall, the titers of all pheromone components did not vary with time of day. There was a significant decrease in the amount ofZ11-14:Ac with age but no changes occurred in the minor components. Furthermore, for any given age tested, the amount of each component produced during the period of maximal calling activity remained relatively similar at the two temperature regimes. However, as with the expression of calling behavior, pheromone production was initiated earlier at cooler than at warmer temperatures. At both temperature regimes, female age and time of day influenced the ratio of each pheromone component. These results are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that by calling earlier, less attractive older females may increase their probability of mating.