Multicomponent sex Pheromone in Agrotis Segetum: Preliminary Analysis and Field Evaluation

Abstract

Abdominal rinses of calling females of the turnip moth, Agrotis segetum, were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography combined with flame ionization detection, electroantennographic detection and mass spectrometry. Traces of a compound showing the retention time and high electrophysiological activity of (Z)-5-decenyl acetate could be detected only by electroantennography. In addition, (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate, (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate, dodecyl acetate and a compound resembling (E)-5-dodecenyl acetate were found. A mixture of these 5 compounds was as attractive in the field as were virgin females, while (Z)-8-dodecenyl acetate, which was also found in the female, was a strong inhibitor. Wind tunnel and field experiments indicate that (Z)-5-decenyl acetate, (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate and probably (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate are essential for attraction. © 1980, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.