Antenna elicitation and behavioral responses of oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta, to allyl cinnamate

Abstract

Female sex pheromones have been used in pest control since the 90s; attracting males to baited traps (mass-trapping and monitoring) or avoiding (or reducing) mating in fields under mating disruption. By contrast, little is done among the use of male sex pheromones in pest control. Allyl cinnamate was evaluated as potential oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta, Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) behaviour modifier, after recording positive electroantenographical responses in both male and female moths. Females over-responded in front of sources of allyl cinnamate at short distances, and both male and female showed typical pre-mating behavioural responses at mid-distances (in a wind tunnel). Males responded showing its hair-pencils and wing fanning and females started with wing fanning, curling abdomen and locating postion opposite the source of allyl cinnamate. The same effect was observed in front of trans-ethylcinnamate, the main component of G. molesta male sex pheromone. Results here indicate a putative role of male sex pheromones (or chemically related compounds as allyl cinnamate) in oriental fruit moth integrated pest control. Understanding the role of male sex pheromones and chemically related compounds could help in the development of new pest control strategies.

Keywords: Electroantennography (EAG), male sex pheromone, allyl ester, trans-ethyl cinnamate, wind-tunnel, behaviour modifier.

African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(50) 4336-4540