Sex pheromone components of the turnip moth,Agrotis segetum : Chemical identification, electrophysiological evaluation and behavioral activity

Abstract

Analysis of female abdominal tips ofAgrotis segetum by means of GC-MS showed the presence of 13 aliphatic acetates and alcohols. (Z)-7-Dodecenyl acetate was found to be the main component in the extracts at amounts of about 1 ng/female. (Z)-9-Tetradecenyl acetate and (Z)-7-dodecenol were present to the extent of 49 and 19%, respectively, of the main component. Minor components could be identified as decyl acetate, (Z)-5-decenyl acetate, dodecyl acetate, (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate, tetradecyl acetate, a tetradecenyl acetate, hexadecyl acetate, a hexadecenyl acetate, (Z)-5-decenol, and (Z)-9-tetradecenol. The presence and biological activity of decyl acetate, (Z)-5-decenyl acetate, and (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate in the extracts could be detected by GC-EAD. Tested by EAG (Z)-5-decenyl acetate evoked the highest response among pheromone candidates, followed by (E)-5-decenyl acetate and (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate. Single-cell recordings from 100 male antennal sensilla trichodea revealed receptorcells highly sensitive to (Z)-5-decenyl, (Z)-7-dodecenyl, (Z)-8-dodecenyl, and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate as well as (Z)-5-decenol. The (Z)-5-decenyl, (Z)-7-dodecenyl, and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate receptors were activated significantly also by female extracts. When tested in a tube olfactometer, a blend of decyl, (Z)-5-decenyl, (Z)-7-dodecenyl, and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate evoked the same male response as did female glands.Tested in the field, this blend was more attractive than virgin females. Other authors previously reported many of the compounds identified in the present study. However, both quantitative and qualitative discrepancies exist among the various investigations, possibly due to the existence of geographical races.