Multicomponent Sex Pheromone in Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract

Attraction of codling moth males, Cydia pomonella (L.), to calling conspecific females, female gland extracts, and synthetic pheromone was studied in a wind tunnel. A dose–response test using a single source showed that female gland extracts attracted more males than codlemone, (E,E)-8,10-dodecadienol, alone. In choice tests, males preferred both calling females and gland extracts over synthetic codlemone. Calling females were as attractive as pheromone gland extracts, at a release rate of 100 pg codlemone/min. A 5-component blend of codlemone, its E,Z-isomer, (E)-9-dodecenol, dodecanol and tetradecanol was more attractive than codlemone in the wind tunnel. This study shows that other compounds, in addition to codlemone, are involved in sex attraction of codling moth males. Control of codling moth by mating disruption with synthetic pheromone is close to a breakthrough, although the method is not efficient at high population densities. The finding that codling moth uses a multicomponent pheromone offers the opportunity to enhance the behavioral activity of current dispenser formulations.