Identification of a four-component sex pheromone blend in Bonagota cranaodes (Lepidoptera : Tortricidae)

Analysis of sex pheromone glands of the apple leafroller Bonagota cranaodes Meyrick by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry or electroant ennographic detection showed the presence of 14 structurally related acetat es and alcohols of the chain length 10-18! including the main pheromone com ponent (E,Z)-3,5-dodecadienyl acetate (E3,Z5-12Ac). Male antennae responded to the main compound, its Z,Z isomer, (EZ-3!,5-tetradecadienyl acetate (E3 ,Z5-14Ac), and the monoenes (Z)-5-dodecenyl acetate (Z5-12Ac) and (Z)-9-hex adecenyl acetate (Z9-16AC). Traps baited with a four-component blend of E3, Z5-12Ac, Z5-12Ac, E3,Z5-14Ac, and Z9-16Ac in a 100:5:5:100 ratio were signi ficantly more attractive than the main compound alone. This improved trap l ure is more suitable for monitoring population densities of B. cranaodes, a nd for detection of the onset of the seasonal flight period. A more complet e pheromone blend is of importance also with respect to current attempts to develop mating disruption for control of this major pest of apple in Brazi l.