SEX-PHEROMONE CATABOLISM IN THE REDBANDED LEAFROLLER MOTH

Tritium-labeled components of the red-banded leaf-roller female sex ph eromone, (Z)- and (E)-[11,12-H-3(2)]-11-tetradecenyl acetate (57 Ci/mm ol), applied to antennae of males and females were degraded causing fo rmation of tritiated 11-tetradecenol, 11-tetradecenoic acid, and water . Results indicate that the catabolic pathway involves acetate hydroly sis, oxidation of alcohol to fatty acid, and degradation of the acid v ia beta-oxidation. Both geometric isomers were degraded equally well b y males but degradation proceeded comparatively less rapidly with fema le antennae. It is surmised that under natural conditions of olfactory sensing, sex pheromone impinging upon the moth's antennae is probably subject to a similar catabolic fate.