Cherry Bark Tortrix, Enarmonia Formosana: Olfactory Recognition of and Behavioral Deterrence by Nonhost Angio- and Gymnosperm Volatiles

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that males and females of the cherry bark tortrix (CBT), Enarmonia formosana, antennally perceive and behaviorally respond to volatiles from nonhost plants. Volatiles from flowering cherry trees, Prunus serrulata Kwanzan, and from nonhost trees, including trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides, grand fir, Abies grandis, Norway spruce, Picea abies, and Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris, were captured on Porapak Q and extracts analyzed by coupled gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD). Compounds that elicited responses from male and female antennae were identified by coupled GC–mass spectrometry (MS) and by comparative GC-MS and GC-EAD with authentic standards. In field cage and field experiments, nonanal from aspen trees and (±)-α-pinene from coniferous trees were effective in reducing captures of male CBT in pheromone-baited traps and deterring oviposition by female CBT on cherry blocks. Recognition of nonhost volatiles, such as nonanal and α-pinene, may allow male and/or female CBT to avoid trees that provide inadequate concealment from predators during calling, resting, and copulation and that are unsuitable for oviposition and development of offspring. Nonhost volatiles may also be exploited for control of CBT by disrupting both mate- and host-finding.