Identification of sex pheromone components of the female driedfruit moth,Vitula edmandsae serratilineella, and a blend for attraction of male moths

Abstract

Sixteen pheromone-like compounds were identified in abdomen tip washes and excised abdomen tip extracts of calling females of driedfruit moth,Vitula edmandsae serratilineella Ragonot. Identifications were by high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography with flame ionization and electroantennographic detectors. Male moths were attracted to a blend of (Z)-9,(E)-12-tetradecadienol and (Z)-9,(E)-12-tetradecadienal in a ratio of 100∶1 at 500 μg/rubber septum dispenser, which is recommended for monitoring purposes. Low concentrations of (Z)-9-tetradecenol (0.5%) and (Z)-9-tetradecenal (0.1%) may be beneficial for the attraction of males, but 1-2% of (E)-9,(E)-12- or (Z)-9,(Z)-12-tetradecadienol, or (Z)-9,(E)-12-tetradecadienyl acetate inhibited their attraction. Gravid female moths were attracted to traps that captured large numbers of males. Females may be attracted to male hairpencil or forewing gland secretions emitted near the traps or that accumulate in the traps.