Field evaluation of the four synthetic components of the sex pheromone of Spodoptera littoralis and their improvement with an antioxidant.

Abstract

Abstract Four compounds previously identified as forming the pheromone complex of the female Spodoptera littoralis were tested alone and in combination for attraction to males in cotton and alfalfa fields. Only cis-9, trans-11- tetradecadienol acetate captured males when used to bait field traps, and admixture with the other three compounds showed no advantage. Combination of 16 micrograms of the attractant with 8–12 milligrams of a commercial antioxidant prolonged its attractive period from 48 hours to one month under natural conditions, but even 4 micrograms of the attractant was effective for a short period. The use of 0.1 or 1.0 milligram of the antioxidant was synergistic to the attractant, but the increased longevity imparted by higher concentrations makes the latter more efficient in survey and control programs for this serious pest.