The significance of blends of two sex pheromone components on the behavior of maleSpodoptera litura F. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

-Behavioral responses of male Spodoptera litura to the female sex pheromone components, (Z, E)-9, ll-tetradecadienyl acetate (compound A) and (Z, E)-9, 12-tetradecadienyl acetate (compound B), and mixtures of compounds A and B were analyzed in the laboratory. Male orientation flight in a wind tunnel was induced by a lure dispenser onto which 1.1xl0-3ng of a mixture (A:B=10:I) was absorbed, while lng of compound A was required to induce the same level of behavior. The blend ratio was important for trap catch and orientation flight of males and a 10:1 mixture of compounds A and B whs most effective. A mixture (10:1) was more effective than compound A alone in induction of movement, walking, and flying in resting males in a glass tube. These results indicated that 2 sex pheromone components act as a set from the initial to final steps of male attraction to female.