SEX PHEROMONE COMPONENT OF THE WESTERN BLACKHEADED BUDWORM, ACLERIS GLOVERANA WALSINGHAM (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE)

Abstract

Abstract(E)-11,13-Tetradecadienal (E11,13-14:Ald) is the major component of the sex pheromone of the western blackheaded budworm (WBB), Acleris gloverana Walsingham. The compound was identified in extracts of the female’s pheromone gland by coupled gas chromatographic - electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and coupled GC - mass spectrometry in selected ion monitoring mode. In field experiments, E11,13-14:Ald by itself was attractive, but addition of (Z)-11,13-tetradecadienal doubled trap catches of male WBB. (E)-11,13-Tetradecadienol or (E)-11,13-tetradecadienyl acetate in binary or ternary combination with E11,13-14:Ald did not enhance attractiveness of the bait. In comparative assessments of five different trap designs, Uni-traps appeared to be the most suitable for use in pheromone-based monitoring of populations of WBB.