Identification and field evaluation of components of female sex pheromone of millet stem borer, Coniesta ignefusalis

Five active compounds were detected during analyses of ovipositor washings and effluvia from virgin female Coniesta ignefusalis moths by gas chromatog raphy (GC) linked to electroantennographic (EAG) recording from a male moth . These were identified as (Z)-7-dodecen-1-ol (Z7-12 : OH), (Z)-5-decen-1-o l (Z5-10: OH), (Z)-7-dodecenal (Z7-12: Aid), (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z7-12 : Ac), and (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol(Z9-14: OH) by comparison of their GC reten tion times, mass spectra, and EAG activities with those of synthetic standa rds. Laboratory tests of dispensers for these compounds showed that release rates from polyethylene vials increased to relatively uniform values after three to four days, but release from septa was very rapid and nonuniform a nd decreased to low levels after two to three days. Trapping tests in Niger showed that the major component, Z7-12:OH, and two of the minor components , Z5-10:OH and Z7-12:Aid, were essential for attraction of male C. ignefusa lis moths. The most attractive blend contained these three components in a 100:5:3.3 ratio in a polyethylene vial, which emitted the components in sim ilar proportions to those produced by the female C. ignefusalis moth. Water traps baited with this blend containing 1 mg of Z7-12:OH caught more male C. ignefusalis moths than traps baited with newly emerged female moths. Add ition of up to 10% of the corresponding E isomers of the pheromone componen ts had no effect on catches, but addition of the other two minor components detected, Z7-12 : Ac and/or Z9-14: OH, to the attractive blend at naturall y occurring levels caused significant reductions in trap catch.