(E)-11,13-TETRADECADIENAL - MAJOR SEX-PHEROMONE COMPONENT OF THE EASTERN BLACKHEADED BUDWORM, ACLERIS-VARIANA (FERN) (LEPIDOPTERA, TORTRICIDAE)

(E)-11,13-Tetradecadienal (E11,13-14:Ald) is the major sex pheromone c omponent of the eastern blackheaded budworm (EBB), Acleris variana (Fe rn.). The compound was identified in female pheromone gland extracts b y coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) , coupled GC-mass spectrometry in selected ion monitoring mode, and re tention index calculations of candidate pheromone components. E11,13-1 4:Ald alone as trap bait was very attractive to male EBB. Addition of the corresponding diene alcohol or acetate or both did not enhance att raction. (Z)-11.13-Tetradecadienal in binary combination with (E)-11,1 3-14:Ald neither enhanced nor reduced trap catches. Increasing the amo unts of pheromone from 0.01 to 10 pg increased trap catches, but incre ase of pheromone quantity above 100 mu g proportionately reduced attra ction. Stabilization of slowly polymerizing E11,13-14:Ald and developm ent of a sustained, adequate release rate is required for pheromone-ba sed monitoring of EBB populations.