SEX PHEROMONE COMPONENTS OF ENARMONIA FORMOSANA (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE)

Abstract

Abstract(E)-9-Dodecenyl acetate (E9-12:OAc) and (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate (Z9-12:OAc) are major components of the sex pheromone of the cherry bark tortrix (CBT), Enarmonia formosana (Scopoli), in British Columbia. The compounds were identified in extracts of female pheromone glands by coupled gas chromatographic – electroantennographic detection (GC–EAD) and coupled GC – mass spectrometry. In field experiments, traps baited with E9-12:OAc or Z9-12:OAc singly were unattractive to male CBT, but in combination at ratios of 50:50 or 40:60 captured numerous males. Increasing quantities of this two-component pheromone blend resulted in increasing captures of male CBT. This binary blend at a 10-mg dose caught more CBT males that did caged virgin CBT females. Eight other EAD-active acetates identified in extracts of pheromone glands failed to enhance attractiveness of the pheromone blend. These compounds may serve to reduce cross-attraction of heterospecific male moths or may play a role in courtship behaviour. Formulations of synthetic pheromone are being evaluated for management of the CBT using mass trapping or disorientation of male CBT moths.