IDENTIFICATION OF AN ATTRACTANT FOR THE CANEBORER SESAMIA-GRISESCENS WALKER (LEPIDOPTERA, NOCTUIDAE)

The composition of the sex pheromone of Sesamia grisescens was investi gated using gas chromatography, electroantennograms, and field trappin g. (Z)-11-Hexadecenyl acetate and (Z)-11-hexadecenol were identified i n field tests as the major attractants. Trapping trials identified a 3 :2 blend of these compounds as the most effective bait. Gas chromatogr aphy indicated the presence of hexadecyl acetate, (Z)-9-hexadecenyl ac etate, (Z)-9-hexadecenol, and (E)-11-hexadecenyl acetate in the pherom one gland, but these compounds had no significant effect on trap catch es when added to the major components. Traps baited with the major com ponents in a 1:1 ratio caught more male moths than traps baited with v irgin females.