Sex pheromone of the large aspen tortrix, Choristoneura conflictana(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract

Three components that elicited antennal response from male Choristoneura conflictana were found from female gland extracts analyzed using a coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detector system. The main component in gland extracts was (Z)-11-tetradecenal (Z11-14:Ald). Two minor components also elicited antennal response: (E)11-tetradecenal (E11-14:Ald) and (Z)-11- tetradecen-1-ol (Z11-14:OH). Analysis of effluvia indicated that calling virgin females release mostly Z11-14:Ald and trace amounts of Z11-14:OH. Field and wind tunnel behavioral studies showed that Z11-14:Ald alone attracted male moths in a dose response pattern. Tests comparing male response to blends of components detected in gland extracts showed that addition of 1.8% of E11-14:Ald to Z11-14:Ald did not influence male moths in the wind tunnel, but resulted in significantly lower trap captures in the field. The threecomponent blend [Z11-14:Ald (100), E11-14:Ald (1.8), Z11-14:OH (11)], was less attractive than Z11-14:Ald alone in both field and wind tunnel studies. Traps baited with two virgin female moths were equally attractive to males as traps baited with the three-component synthetic blend but less attractive than traps baited with Z11-14:Ald alone. Field tests of various blends of the two components (Z11-14:Ald, Z11-14:OH) detected in the females’ effluvia showed that the addition of 1–10% Z11-14:OH to Z11-14:Ald did not affect the males’ response to Z11-14:Ald. Our data demonstrate that female C. conflictana release sex pheromone components in a different ratio than they are stored in the pheromone gland. The sex pheromone is comprised of a single component, Z11-14:Ald, that can be used to monitor mated and virgin male C. conflictana throughout their flight period.