Electroantennogram responses of both sexes of grape root borer (Lepidoptera : Sesiidae) to synthetic female sex pheromone

The effect of mating status and sex on antennal response to sex pheromone c omponents was tested in the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris ). The grape root borer pheromone is a 99:1 blend of (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadie n-1-ol acetate (EZ) and (Z,Z)-3,13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate (ZZ). Antennae of both virgin male and female moths exhibited similar dose-response patte rns, with a threshold dosage of 1 mu g of the EZ:ZZ blend on filter paper. Four treatments were tested at a dose of 5 mu g on filter paper: EZ, ZZ, a blend of 99:1 EZ:ZZ, and the alcohol (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadien-1-ol (EZ-OH). Male antennae responded significantly to all compounds, regardless of matin g status. Virgin female antennae responded significantly to all compounds, although their responses were significantly lower than the responses of mal e antennae. However, female antennae were relatively more responsive to EZ- OH than male antennae. Mated female antennae responded significantly to EZ and 99:1 EZ:ZZ. Pheromone detection by females has considerable implication s to mating disruption strategies.