Redbanded Leafroller Research Articles

Hail netting excludes key insect pests and protects from fruit damage in a commercial Minnesota apple orchard.

Exclusion netting in some European and North American apple (Malus domestica Borkhausen, Rosaceae, Rosales) orchards has been documented to be an effective method of control for multiple insect pest species. By minimizing reliance on insecticides, these orchards have reduced costs, risks to the environment and non-target species, and reduced the risk of insecticide resistance. This study examined the use of commercially available hail netting (DrapeNet®; Prosser, WA) as a pest exclusion strategy under conditions in Minnesota, USA. In 2021 and 2022, we assessed the efficacy of hail netting as a tool for pest suppression in orchards by monitoring pest species in netted and open plots crossed with and without insecticide applications. Our findings show that both of the major pest species in Minnesota, the codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.; Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and the apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh; Diptera: Tephritidae), were significantly reduced inside the netting compared to open plots by 94% and 96%, respectively. For a secondary pest, the red-banded leafroller (Argyrotaenia velutinana Walker; Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), moth populations were reduced by 56%. We also found that insecticide application alone did not significantly reduce pest pressure in these species. Additionally, we investigated the subsequent effects of hail netting on fruit quality and yield. The use of hail netting and insecticide application resulted in significantly higher proportions of high-quality fruit at harvest. However, netting did not significantly influence yield. These findings suggest that hail netting can be used to control Midwest apple insect pests with limited insecticide applications while maintaining high fruit quality.

Sensory Neurons in the Drosophila Genital Tract Regulate Female Reproductive Behavior

Females of many animal species behave very differently before and after mating. In Drosophila melanogaster, changes in female behavior upon mating are triggered by the sex peptide (SP), a small peptide present in the male's seminal fluid. SP activates a specific receptor, the sex peptide receptor (SPR), which is broadly expressed in the female reproductive tract and nervous system. Here, we pinpoint the action of SPR to a small subset of internal sensory neurons that innervate the female uterus and oviduct. These neurons express both fruitless (fru), a marker for neurons likely to have sex-specific functions, and pickpocket (ppk), a marker for proprioceptive neurons. We show that SPR expression in these fru+ ppk+ neurons is both necessary and sufficient for behavioral changes induced by mating. These neurons project to regions of the central nervous system that have been implicated in the control of reproductive behaviors in Drosophila and other insects.

Delayed mating in tortricid leafroller species: simultaneously aging both sexes prior to mating is more detrimental to female reproductive potential than aging either sex alone

The effect of delayed mating on reproductive potential, longevity and oviposition period of female redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker) and Pandemis leafroller, Pandemis pyrusana Kearfott, was investigated in the laboratory. Virgin female or male moths of each species were held for 1, 2, 4, 6 or 10 days prior to pairing with one-day-old virgin conspecifics of the opposite sex. In addition, reproductive potential was assessed when both sexes of each species were aged for those periods prior to pairing. The expected reproduction of female A. velutinana was reduced by 34, 53, 71 and 81% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays in female mating, respectively. For P. pyrusana, expected reproduction was reduced by 47, 74, 85 and 93% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays in female mating, respectively. Increasing male age at mating in both species had a lesser effect on female reproductive output compared with increasing female age at mating. As male A. velutinana age at mating increased, the expected reproduction of female A. velutinana was reduced by 15, 45, 54 and 70% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays, respectively. Comparing male P. pyrusana of various ages at mating, expected reproduction was reduced by 14, 42, 64 and 79% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays in mating, respectively. The decrease in female reproduction when both sexes were aged prior to mating was higher than when either sex alone was aged prior to pairing with a one-day-old virgin of the opposite sex. The expected reproduction of female A. velutinana was reduced by 60, 83, 96 and 98% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays in mating of both sexes, respectively. Only 7.5% of female eggs hatched when both sexes of A. velutinana were aged ten days prior to mating. When simultaneously aging both sexes of P. pyrusana prior to mating, expected reproduction was reduced by 71, 93, 96 and 99% for 2, 4, 6 and 10-day delays in mating, respectively. No P. pyrusana eggs hatched after a ten-day delay of mating for both sexes. For both species, female longevity increased and duration of oviposition period decreased with increasing female age at mating. Our results demonstrate that delayed mating in both females and males negatively affects female reproductive output in both species and that simultaneous aging of both sexes prior to mating has a greater effect than aging either sex alone. Our results suggest that laboratory studies that have paired aged females or aged males with conspecifics of optimal reproductive maturity have likely underestimated the effects of delayed mating on reproductive output.

Comparative behavioral and EAG responses of female obliquebanded and redbanded leafroller moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to their sex pheromone components

Studies were conducted investigating the responses of female obliquebanded leafrollers, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) and redbanded leafrollers, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), to components of their sex pheromone. Electroantennogram (EAG) recordings revealed significant responses from antennae of female moths of both species to the major pheromone component, (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate, at dosages ranging from 2 µg - 2 mg. However, tested individually, the minor pheromone components of the obliquebanded leafroller, (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)-11-tetradecenol, elicited little or no antennal response from conspecific females. This result was consistent for redbanded leafroller females, which showed only weak responses to the minor component (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate at a 2 mg dosage. For both species, species-specific blend ratios of the Z and E isomers of tetradecenyl acetate did not elicit a greater antennal response than the Z isomer alone. Virgin females of each species (2-4 d old) were placed into 1-liter plastic assay chambers with constant throughput of carbon-filtered air passed through 1-liter flasks containing rubber septa loaded with (Z)- and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetates and (Z)-11-tetradecenol for trials with female obliquebanded leafrollers or with (Z)- and (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetates and dodecyl acetate for trials with female redbanded leafrollers. Exposure to pheromone-permeated air delayed the onset of calling by 1 h and terminated the calling period 1 h earlier for both species compared with solvent-control exposed females. Furthermore, the total proportion of calling females was reduced by half in chambers receiving constant throughput of pheromone-permeated air compared with solvent controls. Exposure to pheromone-permeated air also significantly reduced egg-laying in both species compared with clean-air controls. Furthermore, application of the major pheromone component, (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate, at dosages ranging from 2 µg - 2 mg to wax-paper ovipositional substrates, deterred oviposition by females of both species. Our data suggest that application of synthetic sex-attractant pheromones for mating disruption of leafroller species may have deleterious effects on female moth behavior, which may contribute to pest control. Field investigations will need to be conducted to test this hypothesis.

Behavioral and Electrophysiological Responses of Leafroller Moths to Selected Plant Extracts

Abstract The behavioral and electrophysiological responses of the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), and the redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), to crude extracts of Arctium lappa, Bifora radians, Humulus lupulus, Xanthium strumarium, and Verbascum spp. were studied under laboratory conditions. Plant materials were dried and ground before extraction with methanol. Plant extract residues were mixed in acetone to give 20% (wt:wt) suspensions after evaporation of excess methanol. All five plant extracts elicited significant electroantennogram (EAG) responses from both males and females of each species. EAG responses to X. strumarium were generally the highest for both species. The behavioral responses of male and female obliquebanded leafrollers to the plant extracts were compared with responses to pheromone [(Z)11–14:Ac] and a solvent control. Significantly more male and female obliquebanded leafrollers were attracted to X. strumarium compared with pheromone on f...

Captures of two leafroller moth species (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in traps baited with varying dosages of pheromone lures or commercial mating-disruption dispensers in untreated and pheromone-treated orchard plots

AbstractA 2-year study conducted in 0.6-ha apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) blocks examined the effects of treatment with pheromone rope dispensers on captures of the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris, 1841), and the redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker, 1863), in traps baited with varying dosages of pheromone lures or Isomate®-OBLR/PLR Plus pheromone rope dispensers. In untreated blocks, captures of male A. velutinana were high and did not differ among (i) traps baited with a standard lure loading used to monitor this pest, (ii) lure loadings 10 and 100 times the standard loading, and (iii) traps baited with an Isomate-OBLR/PLR Plus pheromone rope dispenser. In pheromone-treated blocks, captures of A. velutinana in traps were reduced 94%–99% for all loadings tested (up to 1000 times the standard loading). The results for C. rosaceana were different. In untreated blocks in 2002, traps baited with 10 or 30 standard lures captured significantly more C. rosaceana than traps baited with a single standard lure; however, in 2003, traps baited with the standard lure loading captured significantly more moths than traps baited with 100 and 1000 times the standard loading. Also, traps baited with Isomate-OBLR/PLR Plus pheromone rope dispensers captured significantly fewer C. rosaceana than traps with standard lures in untreated blocks. In pheromone-treated blocks, traps baited with standard monitoring lures and lures with higher loadings (10 and 1000 times the standard) captured equivalent numbers of C. rosaceana; the capture of moths was reduced by only 50%–71%. We conclude that Isomate-OBLR/PLR Plus pheromone rope dispensers deployed in Michigan, United States of America, are effective in disrupting orientation of A. velutinana; however, they are not very effective for C. rosaceana. In addition, increasing lure loading above that of 1× monitoring lures (rubber septa or membrane type) does not appear to reliably increase the effectiveness of monitoring of males of either leafroller species in orchards where pheromone ropes are deployed at recommended densities.

Monitoring the Seasonal Flight Activity of <I>Cydia pomonella</I> and <I>Argyrotaenia velutinana</I> (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Apple Orchards by Using Pheromone-Baited Traps

Abstract Codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), and redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), are two key tortricid orchard pests in Minnesota. Field trials were conducted during 2001 and 2002 in Minnesota apple orchards to determine seasonal phenology of C. pomonella and A. velutinana and to evaluate two popular trap designs (Pherocon 1CP or 1C “Wing” trap versus Pherocon VI “delta” trap) for monitoring both species. Trap performance was determined by comparing the number of males captured, date of first moth capture, and the capture of nontarget beneficial insects. For C. pomonella, two distinct flight periods were recorded, suggesting two generations per year in Minnesota. Emergence and flight activity of first generation C. pomonella began at ≈110 degree-days (DD) base 10°F. This corresponded to apple bloom in southern Minnesota. The delta trap captured significantly more C. pomonella males than the wing trap (Pherocon 1CP version). For A. velutinana, three flight periods were recorded at a...

Field observations quantifying attraction of four tortricid moths to high‐dosage pheromone dispensers in untreated and pheromone‐treated orchards

AbstractOrientational responses of four species of feral tortricid moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to polyethylene tube dispensers of pheromone were observed in a 0.8 ha apple orchard treated with such pheromone dispensers and in an untreated 0.8 ha orchard. Male oblique‐banded leafrollers, Choristoneura rosaceana (Walker) (mean 7.2 ± 0.4 moths/night during 21 nights), Oriental fruit moths, Grapholita molesta (Busck) (mean 10.5 ± 2.1 during 20 evenings), and the redbanded leafrollers, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker) (mean 2.0 ± 1.1 during 14 nights) were observed approaching within 100 cm of their respective polyethylene‐tube pheromone dispensers in the untreated orchard. Furthermore, C. rosaceana (mean 2.0 ± 0.7 during 17 nights) and G. molesta (mean 1.5 ± 0.4 over 20 evenings) came within 100 cm of their respective polyethylene‐tube pheromone dispensers in the pheromone‐treated orchard. Most visits lasted less than 10 s, after which the majority of moths departed by flying upwind. In the untreated orchard, the number of C. rosaceana observed orienting to polyethylene tube dispensers was greater than the number captured in optimized monitoring traps (1.9 ± 0.4) per night of observation. The numbers of A. velutinana (2.0 ± 1.1) or G. molesta (10.5 ± 2.1) attracted to polyethylene‐tube dispensers in the untreated orchard did not differ statistically from the numbers captured in optimized monitoring traps per night of observation. In the pheromone‐treated orchard, the number of C. rosaceana (2.0 ± 0.4) or G. molesta (1.2 ± 0.2) observed orienting to polyethylene‐tube dispensers did not differ statistically from the numbers of male moths of these species captured in optimized monitoring traps per night of observation. No codling moths, Cydia pomonella L. were observed orienting to, or landing near, their respective polyethylene‐tube dispensers in either the untreated or pheromone‐treated orchards, although substantial numbers were captured in monitoring traps per night of observation (6.0 ± 1.7) in the untreated orchard. The attraction of male moths to polyethylene tube dispensers thus occurred in three of the four species observed. These results provide support for the idea that false‐plume‐following is an important component of the mechanisms mediating communicational disruption in moths by polyethylene‐tube dispensers.

Pest Phenology and Evaluation of Traps and Pheromone Lures for Monitoring Flight Activity of Obliquebanded Leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Minnesota Apple Orchards

The efficacy of two trap designs (Pherocon 1C "wing" trap versus Pherocon VI "delta" trap) and two pheromone blends for monitoring obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), was evaluated in Minnesota apple orchards during the 2001 and 2002 field seasons. Two distinct flight periods of C. rosaceana were recorded yearly in Minnesota. Overwintered C. rosaceana larvae resumed activity in the spring at approximately 60 degree-days (DD) base 10 degrees C, whereas adult emergence began approximately 275 DD base 10 degrees C. To determine the optimal pheromone blend for monitoring C. rosaceana in Minnesota, traps were baited with either a three-component pheromone blend (Z11-14:Ac, E11-14:Ac, and Z11-14:OH) produced by females in eastern North America, or a four-component blend (Z11-14:Ac, E11-14:Ac, Z11-14:OH, and Z11-14:Al) commonly produced by females in western North America. Of the four pheromone-baited traps evaluated, delta traps baited with the four-component western pheromone lure captured the highest number of C. rosaceana males, followed by wing traps baited with western lure. Male C. rosaceana were less attracted to traps containing the three-component eastern lure, and both lure types seemed to be considerably selective against sympatric redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker). These results suggest that the pheromonal response of the predominant endemic population of C. rosaceana in Minnesota is similar to the response of the pest in many parts of western North America. The delta trap baited with western pheromone lure of C. rosaceana is recommended for monitoring the pest in Minnesota, and the results are discussed in relation to the development of effective management strategies against this important pest of apple.

Pest Phenology and Evaluation of Traps and Pheromone Lures for Monitoring Flight Activity of Obliquebanded Leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Minnesota Apple Orchards

The efficacy of two trap designs (Pherocon 1C “wing” trap versus Pherocon VI “delta” trap) and two pheromone blends for monitoring obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), was evaluated in Minnesota apple orchards during the 2001 and 2002 field seasons. Two distinct flight periods of C. rosaceana were recorded yearly in Minnesota. Overwintered C. rosaceana larvae resumed activity in the spring at ≈60 degree-days (DD) base 10°C, whereas adult emergence began ≈275 DD base 10°C. To determine the optimal pheromone blend for monitoring C. rosaceana in Minnesota, traps were baited with either a three-component pheromone blend (Z11–14:Ac, E11–14:Ac, and Z11–14:OH) produced by females in eastern North America, or a four-component blend (Z11–14:Ac, E11–14:Ac, Z11–14:OH, and Z11–14:Al) commonly produced by females in western North America. Of the four pheromone-baited traps evaluated, delta traps baited with the four-component western pheromone lure captured the highest number of C. rosaceana males, followed by wing traps baited with western lure. Male C. rosaceana were less attracted to traps containing the three-component eastern lure, and both lure types seemed to be considerably selective against sympatric redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker). These results suggest that the pheromonal response of the predominant endemic population of C. rosaceana in Minnesota is similar to the response of the pest in many parts of western North America. The delta trap baited with western pheromone lure of C. rosaceana is recommended for monitoring the pest in Minnesota, and the results are discussed in relation to the development of effective management strategies against this important pest of apple.

Increased EAG responses of tortricid moths after prolonged exposure to plant volatiles: evidence for octopamine-mediated sensitization

As measured by electroantennograms (EAG), both male and female obliquebanded leafrollers, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), and redbanded leafrollers, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), were similarly sensitive to host-related plant volatiles: trans-2-hexenal, benzaldehyde, 1-hexenol, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, geraniol, linalool, (+)-limonene, hexenal and trans-2-hexenol. Females of both species were similarly sensitive to the shared major component of their sex-attractant pheromone (( Z)11-14:Ac). Continuous 60 min pre-exposure of male and female C. rosaceana and A. velutinana to successively higher concentrations of a mixture of the nine plant volatiles in Teflon chambers with continuous air exchange caused a dosage-dependent increase in subsequent responsiveness (sensitization) to green leaf volatiles, as measured by EAGs. In addition, 60 min of pre-exposure of male C. rosaceana to certain individual volatiles ((+)-limonene, geraniol, benzaldehyde) increased EAGs nearly as much as did the mixture of nine volatiles. Pre-exposures to the nine plant-volatile mixture at concentrations achieved by 100 μg and 1 mg loading dosages in 100 μl of mineral oil significantly increased EAG depolarization to pheromone (cross-sensitization) in males but not females of both moth species. Antennae of male C. rosaceana pre-injected with 100 μg of octopamine (OA) without volatile pre-exposure exhibited sensitization nearly identical to that induced by pre-exposing moths to sensitizing concentrations of the plant-volatile mixture. Moreover, injection of the OA antagonist chlorpromazine (CP) blocked sensitization by the plant-volatile pre-exposure. Collectively, these findings suggest that exposures of tortricid moths to certain host-plant related volatiles may modulate subsequent olfactory sensitivity to behaviorally relevant chemical cues and that plant-volatile induced sensitization may be octopamine mediated.

Effects of methoxyfenozide‐treated surfaces on the attractiveness and responsiveness of adult leafrollers

Abstract The attractiveness and responsiveness of the adult redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), and obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), exposed to surfaces treated with the ecdysteroid agonist methoxyfenozide were investigated in wind tunnel and orientation tube assays. For both species, when males were exposed to water‐treated surfaces for 48 h, and regardless of what treatment surfaces the females had been exposed to, the mean percentage recaptures of such treated males in the wind tunnel assays were always significantly greater than the recaptures of males that had been exposed to methoxyfenozide. However, exposure to surfaces treated with surfactant (Latron B‐1956) also negatively affected the responsiveness (or attractiveness) of both moth species. In the orientation tube assays, males exposed to methoxyfenozide‐treated surfaces always had significantly lower mean levels of individuals exhibiting sexual excitability, and the mean distances traveled upwind, regardless of females’ exposure. In addition, exposure to surfactant‐treated surfaces did not affect mean levels of sexual excitibility and distances traveled upwind. The two bioassays demonstrated that male A. velutinana and C. rosaceana exposed to methoxyfenozide‐treated surfaces were not as responsive to calling females (treated and non‐treated) as were the non‐treated males. Conversely, females exposed to methoxyfenozide‐treated surfaces were just as attractive to non‐treated males as water‐treated females. It appears that a male's ability to respond to a calling female is more negatively affected by the ecdysone agonist than a female's ability to call and attract males.

Presence of long-lasting peripheral adaptation in oblique-banded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana and absence of such adaptation in redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana.

Pre-exposure of male oblique-banded leafrollers, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), to the main component of their pheromone blend and traces of its geometric isomer (Z11-14:Ac and E11-14:Ac, respectively) at 36 +/- 12 ng/ml air for durations of 15 and 60 min in sealed Teflon chambers with continuous air exchange significantly reduced peripheral sensory responses to these compounds as measured by electroantennograms (EAGs). The EAG responses of C. rosaceana to all tested dosages of pheromonal stimuli and blank controls were lowered by 55-58% and made a linear recovery to 70-100% of the pre-exposure amplitude within 12.5 min at a rate of 3-4 %/min. Exposures of 5 min were insufficient to maximally adapt C. rosaceana; however, exposures of 15 and 60 min reduced sensory responsiveness to the same minimum. In contrast, EAG responses of redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), after identical pheromone exposure for 5 and 60 min yielded no long-lasting peripheral sensory adaptation as measured by EAGs, even though this species shares the same main pheromone components with C. rosaceana. We postulate that the long-lasting peripheral adaptation observed for C. rosaceana is a mechanism that impedes central nervous system habituation in this species. In contrast, A. velutinana may be more susceptible to central nervous system habituation because it lacks the capacity for minutes-long adaptation. We propose that long-lasting adaptation may be a mechanism explaining some of the variation in efficacy of pheromone-based mating disruption across taxa.

Characterization of Z/E11- and Z9-desaturases from the obliquebanded leafroller moth, Choristoneura rosaceana

A ▵11-desaturase gene was cloned from the sex pheromone gland of the obliquebanded leafroller moth, Choristoneura rosaceana. The desaturase cDNA sequence spans 1300 nucleotides with an open reading frame encoding a 335 amino-acid protein, which has 81% identity to a Z/E11-desaturase of the redbanded leafroller moth, Argyrotaenia velutinana. A functional assay with a pYES2 yeast expression system demonstrated that the ▵11-desaturase exhibits unusual substrate and stereospecificities in producing a Z/E11 mixture (7:1) of only C14 acids. A metabolic Z9-desaturase also was cloned from fat body of this species, and proved to be in the class that produces more Z9-16:Acid than Z9-18:Acid.

Moth desaturase characterized that produces both Z and E isomers of Δ11-tetradecenoic acids

The redbanded leafroller moth, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) uses a 92:8 mixture of (Z)-11- and ( E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate in its pheromone blend. These are produced in the abdominal pheromone gland from the corresponding acids, which are biosynthesized in the gland in a 3:2 Z/E ratio by desaturation of myristoyl CoA. The Δ11 desaturase involved in this reaction exhibits unusual substrate and stereospecificities in specifically producing Z11 and E11 isomers of tetradecenoic acid, and exhibiting no activity with C16 and C18 precursor acids. This report describes the cloning and expression of the redbanded leafroller moth Δ11 desaturase, and compares its amino-acid sequence to those of other known insect Z9, Z10, Z11, and E11 desaturases. The metabolic Z9 desaturase from fat body tissue also was cloned and expressed, and found mainly to produce Z9-16:Acid and Z9-18:Acid. The open reading frame of the Δ11 desaturase encodes a protein with 329 amino acids, whereas the open reading frame of the Z9 desaturase encodes a protein with 351 amino acids. Addition of this new Δ11 desaturase with its different substrate and regiospecificities to the databank of characterized integral-membrane desaturases will be key in efforts to determine amino-acid mutations responsible for the wide array of unsaturated fatty-acid products.

Characterization of Z/E11- and Z9-desaturases from the obliquebanded leafroller moth, Choristoneura rosaceana.

A (triangle up) 11-desaturase gene was cloned from the sex pheromone gland of the obliquebanded leafroller moth, Choristoneura rosaceana. The desaturase cDNA sequence spans 1300 nucleotides with an open reading frame encoding a 335 amino-acid protein, which has 81% identity to a Z/E11-desaturase of the redbanded leafroller moth, Argyrotaenia velutinana. A functional assay with a pYES2 yeast expression system demonstrated that the (triangle up) 11-desaturase exhibits unusual substrate and stereospecificities in producing a Z/E11 mixture (7:1) of only C14 acids. A metabolic Z9-desaturase also was cloned from fat body of this species, and proved to be in the class that produces more Z9-16:Acid than Z9-18:Acid.

Fecundity and fertility reductions in adult leafrollers exposed to surfaces treated with the ecdysteroid agonists tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide

AbstractThe effects on the fecundity and fertility of redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), and obliquebanded leafroller,Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), exposed as adults to surfaces treated with the ecdysone agonists tebufenozide (RH‐5992) and methoxyfenozide (RH‐2485) were examined. The first part of the study consisted of recently emerged moths being exposed to treated surfaces continuously throughout their lives (including mating and oviposition). Continuous exposure to tebufenozide‐ or methoxyfenozide‐treated surfaces significantly reduced the mean number of eggs laid and the percent of eggs that hatched in both species. The second part of the study involved exposure of recently emerged virgin moths (by sex) to treated surfaces for 24 h, after which, the exposed moths were paired with a nontreated partner to mate and oviposit on nontreated surfaces. In this experiment, for A. velutinana, significant reductions in fecundity occurred only when the female was exposed to methoxyfenozide‐treated surfaces. Significant reductions in A. velutinana egg fertility occurred with both male and female exposure in the methoxyfenozide treatments and only female exposure in the tebufenozide treatments. For C. rosaceana, significant reductions in fecundity occurred with both male and female exposure in the tebufenozide and methoxyfenozide treatments. Significant reductions in C. rosaceana egg fertility occurred with both male and female exposure in the tebufenozide treatments and only with female exposure in the methoxyfenozide treatments.

Biosynthetic enzymes regulating ratios of sex pheromone components in female redbanded leafroller moths

Changes in key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathways of sex pheromone components can produce differences in component ratios and structures. The sex pheromone communication system is critical to reproduction and the maintenance of a species and so changes in this system can play a major role in the speciation process. Artificial selection of female redbanded leafroller moths that produced either higher or lower ratios of 14- 12 - carbon pheromone components was used to study how the biosynthetic pathways were affected in the high and low populations. The results showed that the chain shortening enzymes were selective for the ( E) isomer and so left the 14-carbon acyl intermediates enriched in the ( Z) isomer. Thus, the high population, which has a higher amount of 12-carbon components, also has a lower ratio of E11- Z11–14 : OAc pheromone components. The data also suggested that chain shortening occurred prior to reduction and acetylation of the 14-carbon components. These changes are not sufficient to isolate the redbanded leafroller populations, but we discuss some cases where significant changes in pheromone component ratios are affected by the chain-shortening enzymes.

Small plot mating disruption trials for tufted apple bud moth, Platynota idaeusalis, in Pennsylvania apple orchards

AbstractMating disruption treatments for the tufted apple bud moth (TABM), Platynota idaeusalis (Walker), were tested in small plot trials in apple orchards in Pennsylvania. Treatments were evaluated by fruit injury and by capture of male TABM in traps baited with synthetic pheromone sources or virgin females. The TABM pheromone is a two component isomeric blend of E‐11‐tetradecen‐1‐ol (E11–14:OH) and E‐11‐tetradecenyl acetate (E11–14:Ac). A 50:50 ratio of these two components was used in standard monitoring septa and in mating disruption treatments released from either hollow fibers (‘fiber’) or PVC tubes (‘PVC’). Other pheromone blends tested included a 90:10 ratio of E11–14:Ac and E11–14:OH (‘EAc’) and its reverse (‘EOH’), mixture ‘EAc’ with 30% of the Z‐isomers (‘low EAc’), and a blend similar to the preceding with 2% Z9–12:Ac (‘generic’). These other blends were released from multi tube tape (‘tape’) or Shin‐Etsu type rope (‘rope’) dispensers. Seasonal dispenser release rate in mg ha−1 h−1 was ca. 30 for the ‘rope’ dispensers, 14 for ‘PVC’ and 6 for ‘fiber’. ‘EAc‐tape’ and ‘EOH‐tape’ were equally effective in reducing catches of males in traps baited with synthetic lures and in traps baited with virgin females. Both treatments also reduced fruit injury. ‘EAc‐rope’, ‘fiber’ and ‘PVC’ also were generally effective; whereas, the ‘low EAc’ and ‘generic’ treatments reduced trap capture less than 90% and did not reduce fruit injury. Dispenser density was positively correlated with reduction in trap capture for the ‘low EAc‐rope’ and ‘genericrope’ treatments. Traps loaded with ‘fiber’ dispensers captured more male TABM than the other treatments in non‐pheromone permeated environments. Trap capture of other tortricids was reduced in pheromone treatments. ‘EAc‐rope’ and the ‘TABM’ treatments provided mean (s.e.) percent reduction in trap catch of 99.5 (0.4) and 42.9 (10.1), respectively, for the redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), and 90.4 (6.8) and 90.4 (1.3), respectively, for the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris).

Action of PBAN and related peptides on pheromone biosynthesis in isolated pheromone glands of the redbanded leafroller moth, Argyrotaenia velutinana

Isolated pheromone glands from the redbanded leafroller moth, Argyrotaenia velutinana, were utilized to demonstrate the action of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) and bursa pheromonotropic peptide plus several other related peptides on pheromone biosynthesis. All peptides belonging to the PBAN family and the bursa peptide stimulated pheromone biosynthesis as measured by pheromone titer and incorporation of radiolabeled acetate. These peptides required the presence of extracellular Ca 2+ for expression of full activity and several inorganic Ca 2+ channel blockers inhibited the stimulation of pheromone biosynthesis. The Ca 2+ ionophore A23187 alone stimulated pheromone biosynthesis as did a cAMP analogue. Stimulation by the cAMP analogue in the absence of extracellular Ca 2+ was observed. Maximum pheromone titers were observed in 16 hr gland incubations; however, 2–6 hr incubations were required if pheromone biosynthesis was measured by the incorporation of radiolabeled acetate. Radiolabeled glucose incorporation was not increased in the presence of PBAN. These results are discussed in the context of how the pheromone biosynthetic pathway is stimulated by these peptides.