EUROPEAN PINE SHOOT MOTH, <i>RHYACIONIA BUOLIANA</i> (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE): IDENTIFICATION OF ADDITIONAL PHEROMONE COMPONENTS RESULTING IN AN IMPROVED LURE

Abstract

Abstract Investigation of the European pine shoot moth pheromone has revealed three components in addition to the previously identified E -9-dodecenyl acetate ( E 9-12:Ac): E -9-dodecenol, dodecyl acetate, and dodecanol. Inclusion of E -9-dodecenol makes lures more attractive to the moth than unmated females or E 9-12:Ac alone. Dodecyl acetate had no apparent effect when added to this more attractive mixture whereas dodecanol had an inhibitory effect. Dodecyl acetate appeared to mask the inhibitory effect of dodecanol when 0.3% or more of the former component is present in the lure. Relative proportions of components are critical in comparative testing or monitoring populations of the moth.