Identification of Sex Pheromone Components of the Box Tree Pyralid, Glyphodes perspectalis

Abstract

Analysis of ovipositor extracts of the box tree pyralid, Glyphodes perspectalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), by coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection and gas chromatography yielded three candidate pheromone compounds. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and reaction with dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), identified these compounds as (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16:Ald), (E)-11-hexadecenal (E11-16:Ald), and (Z)-11-hexadecenol (Z11-16:OH). The ratio of these three compounds in crude extract was 5:1.25:1, and the total amount was approximately 100 ng/female. In laboratory bioassays, Z11-16:Ald alone was attractive to males. In field bioassays, however, Z11-16:Ald alone was not attractive to males, but a mixture of Z11-16:Ald and E11-16:Ald was. The addition of Z11-16:OH to the two aldehydes, significantly reduced attractiveness to male moths in a field trial. From these results, we conclude that the aldehyde compounds comprise the sex pheromone components of G. perspectalis. A rubber septum containing 0.6 mg of the two aldehydes at the natural ratio was an effective lure for monitoring this pest.