Pink Bollworm: Response of Native Males to Ratios of Z,Z- and Z,E-Isomers of Gossyplure in Several Cotton Growing Areas of the World123

Abstract

A standard test consisting of 7 ratios of the Z,Z -, and Z,E -isomers of gossyplure was conducted in several major cotton producing areas of the world to determine the pheromone preference of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders). Catches in traps baited with 50 or 60% of the Z,Z -isomer in mixtures of Z,Z -, and Z,E -isomers were not significantly different in 5 of 7 areas (India, Australia, Pakistan, Argentina, and the U.S.). Catches by the 50% baits were significantly higher in Brazil, and catches with the 60% baits were significantly higher in Egypt. Therefore, baits with either 50 or 60% Z,Z -isomer will be useful in surveyor control work throughout most of the area of distribution of pink bollworm. When the test was conducted several times during the season in Australia and Pakistan, catches indicated no shift from a statistically equal preference for baits containing 50 or 60% of the Z,Z -isomer. Pexicopia sp., a genus related to Pectinophora , was captured primarily in traps containing 20% Z,Z -isomer and 80% Z,E -isomer at Kununurra, N.W. Australia. The genera may be isolated from each other by pheromonal preferences in those areas where the distributions overlap.